Episode 10 – A Heart Set on Holiness – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the final months of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her profound spiritual journey amidst extreme physical suffering. They delve into her ability to remain joyful and other-centered despite her struggles, as highlighted through the letters of her cousin Marie.
These letters vividly portray Thérèse’s perseverance in love, her humor even in the face of immense pain, and her heroic efforts to console those around her. This disposition exemplifies her “little way” of offering herself entirely to God, turning ordinary moments of suffering into extraordinary acts of love and faith.
St. Thérèse’s deeply selfless nature, as she consistently sought to lighten the burdens of her sisters and caregivers, demonstrates a heroic commitment to pleasing God and others through love.
 

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* Embracing Joy Amidst Suffering: How can you cultivate a joyful and other-centered disposition in moments of personal pain or hardship?
* Living the “Little Way”: What small, ordinary acts of love and sacrifice can you offer to God in your daily life?
* Strength in Community: How do your relationships reflect the love and support exemplified by St. Thérèse and her sisters in their Carmel community?
* Responding to God’s Call: What steps can you take to faithfully respond to God’s invitation to holiness in your current circumstances?
* Encouraging Holiness in Others: How can you inspire and support those around you to grow in their faith and spiritual life?
* Offering Suffering for Others: In what ways can you offer your struggles for the spiritual benefit of others, as St. Thérèse did?
* Trusting in God’s Grace: How does St. Thérèse’s unwavering trust in God challenge you to deepen your own reliance on His grace?
* Leaving a Legacy of Love: What legacy of faith, love, and joy are you leaving for those who come after you?


About this Series
Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality were deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio, which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
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