ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX: LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Of all the contemporary saints, none is invoked and studied as intensely as St. Therese of Lisieux. Her writings are a legacy to a sanctified life, her life the subject of countless books and devotions. In certain cases these volumes have taken a florid, idealistic approach to a quite realistic woman. In this unaffected presentation, we see before us a saint in human, realistic terms that reflect the age in which she lived. Not content with our contemporary approach to historical interpretation with its deconstructionist demands, Fr. Groechel embraces Therese in the light of her epoch. We see a sister of intelligence, devotion, and piety affected by bad weather, long fasts, and lack of sleep. A woman who suffered, loved and hoped. A saint in whom we will find some measure of strength for our own spiritual journey.