St.
Therese: Doctor of the Church
St. Therese joined a special group of saints on October 19, 1997. St. Pope John Paul
II declared St. Therese a doctor of the Church on this day because of her writings
and spirituality.
When this title is bestowed upon a canonized saint, it means that their teachings or
philosophies are considered valuable to the Church. The writings and teachings of
these saints impact people’s faith every day.
St. Therese stands out among the doctors of the Church. She is one of four women
doctors and the youngest at the time of her death. She is also joined by two other
Carmelite saints, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
Pope John Paul II shared many thoughts about St. Therese becoming a doctor of
the church. Here are some of his quotes on her:
“Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face is the youngest of all the “Doctors of the
Church,” but her ardent spiritual journey shows such maturity, and the insights of faith
expressed in her writings are so vast and profound that they deserve a place among the great
spiritual masters” –
Homily on St. Therese
“During her life Therese discovered “new lights, hidden and mysterious meanings” and
received from the divine Teacher that “science of love” which she then expressed with
particular originality in her writings. This science is the luminous expression of her knowledge
of the mystery of the kingdom and of her personal experience of grace. It can be considered a
special charism of Gospel wisdom which Therese, like other saints and teachers of faith,
attained in prayer (cf. Ms C, 36r).”
Divini Amoris Scientia (Apostolic Letter Proclaiming St. Therese a Doctor of the Church)
“The spiritual radiance of Therese of the Child Jesus increased in the Church and spread
throughout the world. Many institutes of consecrated life and ecclesial movements, especially in
the young Churches, chose her as their patron and teacher, taking their inspiration from her
spiritual doctrine. Her message, often summarized in the so-called “little way,” which is nothing
other than the Gospel way of holiness for all, was studied by theologians and experts in
spirituality.”
Divini Amoris Scientia
St. Pope John Paul II has considered St. Therese of Lisieux one of the greatest
modern-day saints. Through her Little Way and child-like trust she is a shining star
in the communion of saints.
St. Therese of Lisieux lived her life in childlike simplicity by surrendering herself entirely to the
everlasting love of God. On October 19, 1997. Pope John Paul II declared St. Therese a Doctor
of the Church because of her writings and spirituality. When this title is conferred upon a
canonized saint, the Church values their philosophies or teachings, and these saints' writings and
teachings impact people's faith each day.
St. Therese gained access to the "science of love" during her lifetime from the divine Teacher,
which she later articulated in her works with distinctive originality. Throughout her life,
St.Therese discovered "new lights, hidden and mysterious meanings." This science brilliantly
expresses her understanding of the kingdom's mystery and her encounter with grace. It can be
considered a unique charism of Gospel wisdom which Therese, like other saints and teachers of
faith, attained in prayer.
One of the greatest modern saints in the eyes of Pope John Paul II was St. Therese of Lisieux.
Due to her Little Way and innocent trust, she shines in the communion of saints. Therese of the
Child Jesus' spiritual light grew in the Church and spread over the globe. All sectors of the
faithful and people outside the Catholic Church and Christianity received her spiritual thoughts
and example of holiness with great enthusiasm. She also inspired numerous institutions of
consecrated life and ecclesial movements, particularly in the young Churches. Theologians and
scholars in spirituality studied her message, which is sometimes summed up in the so-called
"little way." It opened a new understanding of the simple faith beyond all pain and suffering.
That all believers of God, regardless of their situation in life, can reach a profound and innocent,
joyous union with God. St. Therese's pure trust in putting her faith in God to make her holy and
depending on little daily sacrifices rather than heroic achievements also appealed to the
thousands of Catholics and others looking for holiness in their everyday lives
