Living the Little Way: Six Keys to the Spirituality of St. Thérèse

Living the Little Way: Six Keys to the Spirituality of St. Thérèse

By Fr. Joseph Spence, FFm · Published by TAN Books

Overview

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face transformed the spiritual life of the Church with her simple yet profound "Little Way" of confidence, humility, and complete trust in God's merciful love. Yet behind her familiar image as the "Little Flower" lies a theological depth that many readers have never fully explored.

In Living the Little Way, Fr. Joseph Spence, FFm, uncovers six essential dimensions of St. Thérèse's spirituality that illuminate the true richness of her teaching. Drawing from her own writings, eyewitness testimonies, and the wisdom of the Church, he reveals how devotion to the Holy Face, spiritual childhood, hidden charity, Marian devotion, spousal love for Christ, and her final Passion together form a unified path to holiness. Richly theological yet deeply practical, this work demonstrates why Thérèse's "science of love" continues to offer hope and direction for Catholics living amid the anxieties of the modern world.

• Deepen Your Understanding of St. Thérèse: Discover the theological richness behind one of the Church's most beloved saints.
• Grow in Childlike Confidence: Learn to entrust yourself completely to God's infinite mercy.
• Practice Hidden Holiness: See how ordinary acts of charity become the foundation of sanctity.
• Strengthen Your Prayer Life: Draw closer to Christ through the spirituality of the Holy Face and loving abandonment.
• Live the Little Way Today: Apply Thérèse's timeless wisdom to the challenges of contemporary Christian life.

From the Book

“If God is good and gentle, tender and merciful, then one can trust Him—or rather, entrust oneself to Him with total confidence and abandonment, like a child in a parent's arms.”

Intended Audience

This book is ideal for Catholics devoted to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Little Way, and anyone longing to cultivate greater trust in God's mercy. It is especially well suited for parish study groups, spiritual reading, religious formation, and individuals searching for a practical path to holiness amid the demands of everyday life.

FAQs

What makes this book different from other books about St. Thérèse?
Rather than focusing primarily on her biography, this book explores the theological foundations of her spirituality, revealing dimensions of her teaching that are often overlooked, including her devotion to the Holy Face and her understanding of spiritual childhood.

Is this book appropriate for readers new to St. Thérèse?
Yes. Fr. Spence writes with clarity and accessibility, making the book beneficial for both newcomers and longtime devotees of the Little Flower.

How can this book help my spiritual life?
It offers practical guidance for living with greater confidence in God's mercy, embracing humility, practicing hidden charity, and discovering holiness in the ordinary circumstances of daily life.