Saints Zelie and Therese of Lisieux

Saint Zelie Martin desired deeply to be a religious sister but had health complications that kept her from the convent. She found Christ vividly in the presence of her love, Louis, and eventually pursued marriage. She was a religious still at heart and they didn’t consummate their marriage for ten months. They did so eventually only by the encouragement of a spiritual director. They had nine children, but only five of them lived to adulthood. All five of them became religious sisters. Their daughter Therese, was even canonized. Zelie and her husband Louis faced tremendous difficulty. They were turned away from their desired vocations and experienced the loss of four children. Yet they ached for closeness with our Lord and always sought it. They instilled virtue in the hearts of their daughters and stayed so close to the Lord. Therese is pictured here with her mother, Zelie. So tenderly, in her arms. Motherhood is a gift, yet I am sure was often difficult for Zelie. She had to consistently choose to instill virtue in her daughter's heart.

This arduous virtue created the greatness that we know today within Saint Therese. Things were challenging for Therese too, her mother passed away when she was very young. What are the difficulties that are in your life today? Do you feel rejected from the vocation placed on your heart? Are you facing illness or loss? Do you feel empty or far from God? I pray that Zelie and Therese may be companions to you today. That they may assist you in courageously chasing after the Lord anyway. May Jesus astound you by His closeness to you today! Because He truly loves you and has a magnificent plan for your life! Saints  Zelie and Therese, who were so fervently close to our Lord, pray for us.