St Therese of Lisieux

This time last year, you may remember, the relics of St Therese of Lisieux went on tour around England and Wales. Well, it's Therese's saint's day this week (October 3rd). And she is listed in the Northumbria Community's calendar of celtic and modern saints.

Therese was the youngest of 9 children, and her mother died when Therese was just 4 years old. She hated school, and all her childhood Therese longed to become a nun, which she was finally allowed to do when she reached 15.

Two older sisters were already in the Carmelite convent, and Therese joined them. And there, her very deep spirituality became an example to the other nuns, as well as to people outside the convent.

Therese believed that love for God should be expressed, not in heroic acts or acts of greatness, but in the little things of life. She wrote this:

"Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

What small acts of love can you do for others today?