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My book for October is from the 'Enfolded in Love' series, "By Love Alone", Daily Readings with St Térèse of Lisieux. Edited by Michael Hollings. The book commences with an introduction on the life, letters and teaching of St Térèse, born Térèse Martin, in 1873 at Alençon, Normandy. Térèse was the youngest of nine children, four of which died young. The five girls all eventually entered convents. Térèse herself entered Carmel on 9 April 1888 aged 15 years. She died from tuberculosis when she was only 24 and was declared a saint on 17 May 1925. Térèse set out to teach her 'little way of spiritual childhood'. She saw and loved the importance of working with the small incidents of life, for example, coping patiently with one sister who ground her teeth and another who continually fidgeted. The content of 'By Love Alone' is drawn mainly from parts written for Mother Mary of Gonzaga and to her sister Marie (Sister Marie of The Sacred Heart). These are arranged in daily readings and meditations. The readings are not dated or numbered and so can be used at any time. An example of headings are 'Attacks On Faith' 'Firm Guidance of Souls' 'When Suffering is Sweet' and 'Love Your Neighbour'. St Térèse has an honest and refreshing approach which will appeal to all. 'By Love Alone' edited by Michael Hollings (Darton Longman and Todd) ISBN 0-232-52375-4. £3.50 Lynn Winter |
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page last updated 1 OCTOBER 2000 |
