The Story of a Soul | Page 2

St. Joan of Arc Prayer to Obtain Humility
DAYS OF GRACE

SELECTED POEMS My Song of To-day Memories I Thirst for Love
To Scatter Flowers Why I Love Thee, Mary
SHOWER OF ROSES [omitted]
PROCESS OF BEATIFICATION [omitted]
LETTERS OF PIUS X AND OTHERS [omitted]
INDULGENCED PRAYERS [omitted]
SUPPLEMENT [omitted]
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THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO THE SERVANT OF GOD, SOEUR
THÉRÈSE, IN THANKSGIVING FOR GRACES OBTAINED, AND
TO HER "PETITE MÈRE," MOTHER AGNES OF JESUS, IN
GRATEFUL MEMORY OF INNUMERABLE KINDNESSES
EXTENDING OVER MANY YEARS
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PREFACE
As we become acquainted with the histories of those in whom, in long
succession, God has been pleased to show forth examples of holiness of
life, it seems as if every phase of human existence had in the history of
the Church received its consecration as a power to bring men nearer to
their Maker. But there is no limit to the types of sanctity which the
Creator is pleased to unfold before His Creatures. To many, on reading
for the first time the story of Sister Teresa of the Child Jesus and of the
Holy Face, it came almost as a shock to find a very youthful member of
an austere Order, strictly retired from the world, engaged in hidden
prayer and mortification, appearing before us to reveal to the whole
world the wonders of the close intimacy of friendship to which her
Divine Spouse had been pleased to call her. Certainly the way by which
Soeur Thérèse was led is not the normal life of Carmel, nor hers the

manner whereby most Carmelites are called to accomplish the
wondrous apostolate of intercession to which their lives are given. But
no less certain is it that, in her particular case, her work for God and her
apostolate were not to be confined between the walls of her religious
home, or to be limited by her few years on earth.
In the first place, we know that it was by obedience that the record of
God's dealings with her soul were set down in writing. And again, the
long tale of graces granted in such strange profusion through her
intercession is proof sufficient that it was not without Divine
permission and guidance that the history of her special and peculiar
vocation has become the property of all Catholics in every land. It is for
God to keep, and for Him to make known the secrets of His Love for
men. And in the case of Soeur Thérèse it has been His Will to divulge
His secrets in most generous consideration for our needs.
What are the hidden treasures which Our Divine Master thus reveals to
us through His chosen little servant?
It is the old story of simplicity in God's service, of the perfect
accomplishment of small recurring duties, of trustful confidence in Him
who made and has redeemed and sanctified us. Humility,
self-effacement, obedience, hiddenness, unfaltering charity, with all the
self-control and constant effort that they imply, are written on every
page of the history of this little Saint. And, as we turn its pages, the
lesson is borne in upon our souls that there is no surer nor safer way of
pleasing Our Father Who is in Heaven than by remaining ever as little
children in His sight. Doubtless for many of her clients whose hearts
are kindled as they read this book, Soeur Thérèse will obtain, as she has
done so often in the past, wonderful gifts for health of soul and body.
But may she win for all of us without exception a deep and fruitful
conviction of the unchanging truth, that unless we become as little
children in the doing of our Heavenly Father's Will, we cannot enter
into our Eternal Home.
FRANCIS CARDINAL BOURNE, Archbishop of Westminster.
Feast of the Presentation of Our Blessed Lady, 1912.

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PROLOGUE: THE PARENTAGE & BIRTH OF MARIE
FRANÇOISE THÉRÈSE MARTIN
In the month of September, 1843, a young man of twenty climbed the
mountain of the Great St. Bernard. His eyes shone with a holy
enthusiasm as the splendour of the Alps stirred to the depths his
responsive nature. Presently, accustomed as they were to discern God's
beauty in the beauty of His handiwork, they glistened with tears. He
paused for a space, then, continuing his journey, soon reached the
celebrated monastery that like a beacon on those heights darts afar its
beams of faith and magnificent charity.
The Prior, struck by the frank and open countenance of his guest,
welcomed him with more than wonted hospitality. Louis Joseph
Stanislaus Martin was the pilgrim's name. He was born on August 22,
1823, at Bordeaux, while his father, a brave and devout soldier, was
captain in the garrison there. "God has predestined this little one for
Himself," said the saintly Bishop of Bordeaux