Legacy of Love & Mission: The Oblates and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
In every era, certain individuals stand out as beacons of love, humility, and dedication to God’s work. Among them, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus shines especially bright. Though she lived a brief, cloistered life, her legacy of “The Little Way” has influenced countless hearts worldwide. Her profound connection to missionary work has inspired many, especially the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, whose commitment to sharing God’s love echoes her spirit. As we delve into the story of St. Thérèse, we see not only her spiritual legacy but also how her life intertwines with the missionary fervor of the Oblates, bringing hope to underserved communities across the globe.
Born on January 2, 1873, in Alençon, France, St. Thérèse was the youngest of nine children in a devout family. Her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, were later canonized as saints themselves, highlighting the deep faith that permeated Thérèse’s upbringing. From an early age, she exhibited a strong desire to serve God, coupled with a remarkable understanding of the importance of love and humility. Her childhood, marked by loss and trials, deepened her faith and commitment, laying the foundation for her spiritual journey.
At just 15 years old, Thérèse entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux, adopting the name “Thérèse of the Child Jesus.” Within the cloistered life, she developed what would become her renowned “Little Way,” a spiritual approach that emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and childlike trust in God. Rather than striving for grand gestures of holiness, she taught that one could achieve sanctity through small, daily acts of love, performed with great faith and dedication.
Despite never venturing beyond the walls of her convent, St. Thérèse was fervently dedicated to sharing God’s love with the world. She often expressed her longing to be a missionary and prayed for people engaged in missionary work across the globe, demonstrating a profound spiritual connection to those laboring in the field. This heartfelt intercession resonated deeply with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, whose members were committed to serving marginalized communities and spreading the Gospel in often challenging circumstances.
The connection between St. Thérèse and the Oblates runs deep and is essential to understanding her legacy. It was Ovide Charlebois, OMI, the Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Keewatin, who first proposed St. Thérèse as the patron saint of missions. His vision was rooted in her powerful example of love, humility, and dedication. Following her canonization in 1925, the missionary bishops of Canada recognized the potential impact of St. Thérèse’s intercession on their work. They united in a petition to the Pope, advocating for her to be named the patron saint of missions. Their collective appeal culminated in her official proclamation by Pope Pius XI on December 14, 1927.
What makes St. Thérèse’s story even more remarkable is her life’s message. She taught that holiness is not only for the elite but is attainable for everyone. Her “Little Way” emphasizes that one need not embark on a grand journey to effect change; often, it is the small, loving acts performed in our everyday lives that resonate most profoundly. In her own words, she said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”
The Oblates have always seen St. Thérèse as an integral part of their mission, embodying the core values of compassion, selflessness, and dedication to God’s work. Their commitment to St. Thérèse extends beyond her canonization; they have continually sought to foster her legacy through prayer, education, and service, further solidifying her connection to the global missionary effort. Their work in over 70 countries demonstrates a tangible manifestation of her spirit, as they strive to bring hope, healing, and faith to diverse communities. The Oblates are living witnesses to her teachings, actively engaging in the mission fields she once longed to reach.
In honoring St. Thérèse, let us also acknowledge the vital role of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in carrying forward her mission. They remind us that the essence of mission lies not only in traveling to far-off places but also in nurturing a spirit of compassion and love in our everyday lives. The image of St. Thérèse serves as a powerful reminder of the deep bond between her life and the mission of the Oblates.
As we celebrate St. Thérèse’s legacy, let us reflect on how we can embody her spirit of love and compassion in our own lives. Whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or support for missionary efforts, we all have the opportunity to participate in the ongoing mission of Christ. Together, through prayer and action, we can contribute to the ongoing legacy of St. Thérèse and the vital work of the Oblates, ensuring that her spirit continues to inspire future generations. May we draw strength from St. Thérèse’s example and embrace our own call to serve, recognizing that we are all part of the same great mission to share God’s love with the world.