Saint Therese of Lisieux's grandmother

Marie-Louise was born in 1825 and lived a pious life. She was married to Isidore Guerin, a watchmaker, and had several children. They lived a simple life, but Marie-Louise loved art, music, and literature, which she shared with her grandchildren. When her husband died in 1871, Marie-Louise moved in with her daughter Celine and her husband, Louis, with their growing family, including young Therese.

Therese was born in 1873, and it was Marie-Louise who became her godmother. From there, Marie-Louise and Therese developed a close bond, and the young Therese would spend hours listening to her grandmother’s stories and teachings. Marie-Louise was known for her strictness and consistency in her Catholic faith, which she imparted to Therese from an early age.

One event that significantly impacted Therese’s faith was when she became gravely ill at the age of four. Doctors believed she wouldn’t survive, and the family was in despair. Marie-Louise, however, prayed relentlessly to St. Therese of Avila, whom she had a great devotion. She promised to her patron saint that if Therese recovers, she would dedicate her to a religious life.

Therese did recover, and true to Marie-Louise’s promise, she taught Therese how to pray, meditate, and recite the rosary. She instilled in her granddaughter the importance of having faith in God and trusting His will. Therese did, in fact, join the Carmelite order at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of her cousins Marie and Pauline at the Lisieux Carmel.

Therese grew to become known as the “Little Flower of Jesus,” and it was her devotion to St. Therese of Avila that inspired her to take the name Therese of Lisieux. She wrote extensively on the importance of trusting in God’s love and mercy, and her teaching has since become a central tenet of the Catholic faith.

Marie-Louise’s role in Therese’s life cannot be overlooked. She was the rock that grounded Therese in her faith and gave her the strength to persevere in the face of hardships. In fact, Therese even credits Marie-Louise for inspiring her to write her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” which has become a spiritual classic.

Marie-Louise’s piety and devotion to her Catholic faith were not just limited to her home. She was also instrumental in the building of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Cléry in Loiret, France. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics.

Marie-Louise passed away in 1900, and Therese was devastated by her loss. However, she continued to follow in her footsteps, both in her spiritual journey and in her commitment to serving others. She died in 1897 at the age of 24 from tuberculosis, but her teachings live on, and her grandmother’s legacy lives on through her.

In conclusion, Saint Therese of Lisieux’s grandmother, Marie-Louise, played an integral role in shaping the beloved saint’s faith and personality. Her lifelong devotion to her Catholic faith and unwavering belief in God’s love and mercy instilled in Therese the strength and courage she needed to become the woman of faith she is known as today. Hence, Marie-Louise deserves credit for playing an essential role in the life of a saint and inspiring millions to follow in Therese’s footsteps of faith and love.