"You know that I have always wanted to be a Saint; but compared with real Saints, I know perfectly well that I am no more like them than a grain of sand trodden beneath the feet of passers-by is like a mountain with its summit lost in the clouds. Instead of allowing this to discourage [...]
"When I say that compliments have no effect upon me, Mother, I am not referring to the love and confidence you have shown me; that, on the contrary, touches me deeply, but I feel that I need not be afraid of praise anymore and can enjoy it in all simplicity, attributing all that is good [...]
"When I say that compliments have no effect upon me, Mother, I am not referring to the love and confidence you have shown me; that, on the contrary, touches me deeply, but I feel that I need not be afraid of praise anymore and can enjoy itÿin all simplicity, attributing allÿthat is good in me [...]
"I soon found, however, that the more one advances, the further off one sees the goal to be." Source: St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Saint Benedict Press, 2010.
"My dryness increased. Both Heaven and earth denied me consolation; yet, though surrounded by the waters of tribulation which I sought so ardently, I was the happiest person in the world." Source: St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Saint Benedict Press, 2010.
"I made up my mind to more serious mortification than ever. When I say mortification, I do not mean that sort of penance the Saints undertake. I was not like those grand souls who practice all kinds of penances from childhood. My mortification consisted in checking my self-will, keeping back an impatient word, doing little [...]
"The cry of Jesus as He died, 'I thirst,' echoed every moment in my soul, inflaming my heart with a burning love. I longed to satisfy His thirst for souls; I was consumed myself with the same thirst, and yearned to save them from the everlasting fires of Hell, no matter what the cost." [...]
"Charity took possession of my heart, making me forget myself, and I have been happy ever since." Source: St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Saint Benedict Press, 2010.
"I am sorry for people who lose their souls; it is so easy to miss your way when the paths of the world seem so attractive." Source: St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Saint Benedict Press, 2010.
"The day you asked me to do it, I thought it might be a distraction to me, but afterwards, Jesus made me realize that simple obedience would please Him best." Source: St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Saint Benedict Press, 2010.