The saint I find most inspiring is St Teresa of the Child Jesus, the patron saint of my church in Beaconsfield.

She lived in France from 1873-1897, and her mother died when she was four, meaning she was brought up by her father. Two of her older sisters joined an order of nuns, and at the age of 15, Teresa wished to follow them, but was originally refused because of her young age. But Teresa would not give up, and by the end of the year, the bishop gave his permission, and she became a Carmelite nun. Despite having tuberculosis, she carried out all her duties, and when she was 20, she was appointed to assist the novice mistress. However, her disease advanced, and she died at 24. About thirty years later, she was canonised by the Pope.

So there’s the background info on her life, but why is she such a popular saint? This is not due to her dying a martyr, or being an influential leader, but because of the unwavering devotion and dedication she had for her faith. She was just an ordinary young girl, and yet she showed deep spiritual wisdom and maturity.

For me, she is an amazing example that we can all find our ‘little way’ to holiness – it’s not only by doing great world-changing things that we can get closer to God, but…

‘one single act of love will make us know Jesus better…It will bring us closer to Him for all eternity’ (St Teresa, the Little Flower)

Rebecca M, November 2008