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Sainte Thérèse of Lisieux, born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin on January 2, 1873, was a French Carmelite nun and is a highly revered saint in the Catholic Church. She is known for her "Little Way," a spiritual path of finding holiness in everyday actions and embracing humility and trust in God. Despite her short life, succumbing to tuberculosis at the age of 24, her autobiography, "Story of a Soul," published posthumously, became an international bestseller and profoundly influenced millions.

Thérèse entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the exceptionally young age of 15, following in the footsteps of her older sisters. Her spiritual journey was marked by a deep personal relationship with Jesus, whom she envisioned as a loving and forgiving father. She offered her life as a victim of his love, embracing suffering as a way to unite herself with Christ. Her teachings emphasize the importance of interior childhood, seeing oneself as small and dependent on God's grace.

Canonized in 1925, Sainte Thérèse was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, a rare honor signifying her significant contributions to Catholic theology and spirituality. She is invoked as the patron saint of missionaries, aviators, and the sick, and her influence continues to inspire believers worldwide with its message of simple faith and profound love.