aeternus

I came across this poem written for the Canonization of St. Therese of Lisieux on May 17, 1925. It was written by Sister Marie Dolores Walta, S.P., in Alhambra, California.

As I was walking at dusk to chapel last night with my little daughter, we were marveling at all of the beautiful trees which have come into bloom for early spring. The magnolias, forsythia, red buds, dogwoods - all of them were alive in the final glow of the day. We talked about Therese and how every child of God is like a little flower, unique and beautiful. We prayed evening prayer and she was then so peaceful later when I put her to bed. This little girl was a glow with happiness and spent the night dreaming of flowers. It struck me then when I came across this poem this morning…

Let fall your petals, Little Flower,

Upon our earth today

And hid within their tender folds

Your own sweet “little way”.

For we would live for Him alone

As you were won’t to do.

“To love Him as He’s ne’er been loved” -

Behold our longing, too.

The little flow’rs of sacrifice

You gathered ‘long the way

Still blossom on the roadside now

For us to call each day.

Oh, help us pluck these precious flowers

With you sweet child-like grace

And let them take their flight with yours

To kiss His holy Face.

Oh, Little Therese, come scatter flowers

All o’er the world today

And call a host of “little souls”

To join your “little way”.

In an address of Pope John Paul II to Pilgrims in Rome for the proclamation of St. Therese as a Doctor of the Universal church on Monday, 20 October 1997, the Holy Father said:

For our time Thérèse is a powerful and accessible witness of an experience of faith in God, the faithful and merciful God, who is just by his very Love. She lived deeply her membership in the Church, the Body of Christ. I think that young people really find in her an inspiration to guide them in the faith and in ecclesial life, at a time when their way can be crossed by trials and doubts. Thérèse experienced all kinds of trials, but it was granted to her to remain faithful and trusting; she bears witness to that fact. She supports her brothers and sisters on all the paths of the world.

I pray and entrust my children to our Lord of Divine Mercy, but also, and most especially to the gentle guidence and protection of dear little Therese. Change our culture and teach all young children about her purity and her strength and humbleness.