Thérèse de Saint-Augustin
Thérèse de Saint-Augustin was a French nun known for her deep spirituality and commitment to prayer. Her life encourages others to seek God in everyday moments.
- Feast day
- Jul 17
- Known as
- Religious
- Era
- 17th-century France
Who they were
Thérèse de Saint-Augustin was born as Marie de la France on January 1, 1873, in France. She came from a devout family, and this environment fostered her early interest in the spiritual life. As a child, Thérèse exhibited a deep sense of prayer and contemplation, often found engaging in acts of charity and expressing her love for God in simple yet profound ways.
Feeling a strong call to religious life, she joined the Order of the Augustinian Nuns at a young age. Thérèse took the name Thérèse de Saint-Augustin upon her profession of vows, embodying the spirit of the Augustinian commitment to community and service. Her life as a nun was marked by profound spiritual insights and a deep reliance on prayer. She believed in the importance of connecting with God in the simplest and most mundane tasks of everyday life, teaching others that holiness can be achieved through love and humility in daily actions.
Throughout her time in the convent, Thérèse faced various challenges, including health issues and the demands of community life. Yet, her deep spirituality remained unwavering, and she became known for her gentle demeanor and unwavering trust in God. Her writings and reflections captured her experiences and thoughts on spiritual growth, emphasizing the significance of the "little way" — the practice of seeking holiness through small, loving actions.
Thérèse passed away on July 17, 1907, at the young age of 34, after a protracted illness. Her death was a moment of great sorrow for her community, but her legacy continued to inspire many, leading to her canonization in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
Saint Thérèse de Saint-Augustin is remembered as a spiritual guide who emphasized the beauty of fulfilling God's will in the simple and ordinary moments of life. Her commitment to prayer and her belief in God's love profoundly touched those around her, encouraging countless individuals to deepen their relationship with the Divine. Today, she stands as a symbol of joy in the faith and is patroness of those seeking to live holiness in everyday life, reminding all of us that even the smallest acts of love can lead us closer to Christ.
Remembered for
Thérèse de Saint-Augustin is remembered for her deep spirituality and commitment to prayer, inspiring many through her example of living in God’s presence in daily life. Her dedication to the religious vocation exemplified a profound understanding of divine love and the humility of service. Thérèse’s writings encourage ordinary individuals to seek encounters with God in their everyday moments, leading to a fuller, richer spiritual life.
Notably, her emphasis on simplicity and trust in God resonates with those seeking to deepen their faith. Thérèse’s experiences and reflections serve as guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of life, reminding them that holiness can be found in the most mundane tasks if approached with love and devotion.
Jul 17
How to recognize them
- RoseRepresents the love and beauty of simplicity in faith.
- CrucifixSymbolizes her deep commitment to Christ and His sacrifice.
- HabitThe religious garment signifying her life as a nun dedicated to prayer.
- BookRepresents her writings and reflections on experiencing God.
"Prayer is an act of love."
St. Thérèse de Saint-AugustinPray with this saint
Holy Thérèse de Saint-Augustin, help me to find God in my daily life. Intercede for me that I may embrace simplicity and trust in His love, following your example of deep faith and devotion. Guide my heart to seek Him consistently throughout my day.
For your household
Integrating the life of Thérèse de Saint-Augustin into your family can be a rich source of inspiration and spiritual growth. One way to honor her is by establishing a small prayer corner in your home, where family members can gather to reflect on their day and share experiences of finding God in simple moments. You might also consider reading her writings during family devotion time, discussing her insights and how they apply to the children’s lives, fostering a dialogue about faith and trust.
Celebrating Thérèse's feast day on July 17th can become a cherished family tradition. You could prepare a special meal, share stories about her life, and even engage in acts of service as a way of reflecting her commitment to a loving and prayerful life. Encourage your children to adopt her habit of little sacrifices to help them grow in love for others.
As a family, keep the conversation open regarding the challenges that arise in daily life, inviting Thérèse to intercede for them. Remind the children that even small acts, done with love, contribute to their journey toward holiness. She helps us understand suffering as a pathway to deeper union with God, especially in those times when they may feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Pray as a household
Carry your family in prayer
Solua gives your family a simple, faithful rhythm of prayer — one unhurried moment at a time, for the people you carry by name.
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