On October 15, 2023, a letter from Pope Francis titled "C’est La Confiance” was released to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. The subtitle of the letter is “On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God.” In the letter he speaks of “countless graces bestowed on the faithful who invoke her intercession” and of her little way of trust and complete confidence in the love of God. He encourages us, the faithful, to imitate her and place all our trust in Jesus instead of in our own strength and abilities.
I encourage you to read the entire letter and benefit from the Holy Father’s insights into the spirituality of this amazing saint of Carmel.
The Pope concludes his exhortation with this prayer to St. Thérèse:
Dear Saint Thérèse,
the Church needs to radiate the brightness,
the fragrance and the joy of the Gospel.
Send us your roses!
Help us to be, like yourself,
ever confident in God’s immense love for us,
so that we may imitate each day
your “little way” of holiness.
Amen.
