Customer Reviews

St. Therese of Lisieux: Her Last Conversations

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd like especially to recommend this book to those people who (1) believe that Therese's theology is naive and consequently not interesting; and (2) feel that Therese is somehow unworthy of high honor paid her. In the first place, there's nothing naive about the faith of a young woman who admits being subject to "the worst temptations of atheism." In the second place, Therese really did die a martyr's death. In her perfect submission to God's will, she is transfigured and triumphs over death. Reading these last conversations is at once edifying, and inspiring, and deeply humbling. For those who are still skeptical, please read and you'll understand why a Pope called Therese the greatest of all modern saints.

This is truly one of the most fascinating books in the world. The Martin sisters wrote down literally every word Therese said in her last six months. "O to die her death!"--"Then live her life."

This view of St. Therese completes the whole picture of her sainlty nature. This is where her heroism shine forth and her total trust in God's Divine Mercy is most evident. Very though provoking.

This has been a difficult review to write. How can one express their reading of St. Therese of Lisieux as enjoyable, when this young Saint experienced such incredible pain? Lived her short life in extreme agony, yet welcomed each moment of pain as a gift from God? Here was a young woman, who was determined to become a saint! Yes, I very much enjoyed reading this text. I would highly recommend others to purchase this translation by John Clarke O.C.D., as he brings much of what has been written before about St. Therese into chronological clarity. In fact, I would have enjoyed having this particular text before having read others on St. Therese. There is a great wealth of information included within this text that is not seen in others.
Not only has John Clarke offered chronological clarity, photographs, and a biographical guide offering proper names/description of those mentioned within the text; John Clarke, O.C.D. offers a Biblical Index along with the 'normal' index found in most text. The Biblical Index brings the reader even closer to St. Therese. Here one may bring themselves to a greater understanding of that immense Love St. Therese of Lisieux had for our Lord. For those who wish to study the life of St. Therese further, I would highly recommend this awe-inspiring text.
This text is offered by ICS Publications (Institute of Carmelite Studies), Washington, D.C. There are several other texts available from the ICS Publications on St. Therese of Lisieux. Inside, on the very last page, there is a small paragraph on the Institute of Carmelite Studies with addresses for those who may be interested in the Discalced Carmelite way of life.