Saint Therese of Lisieux

The trip.

“Ah! I realized my calling in Italy… pray for the souls of the priests!… Oh how beautiful is the vocation which is intended to preserve the salt intended to souls! Is the vocation of Carmel!” (157 and 185) A56r; 66v-67r

At The Coliseum.

“Finally saw that arena where many martyrs had given blood for Jesus!… I was pounding the heart when approached her lips to dust reddened by the blood of the first Christians: I asked thanks for being martyr myself and I felt in my heart that my prayers had been answered” (168) A60v

The audience with the Pope
“I was determined to speak… A minute later I was at the foot of the Holy Father… abbassoò his head towards me, i beheld his black eyes and deep fixate on me “Holy Father – I said – in honor of your Jubilee let me enter Carmel at 15 years” “Well daughter – replied looking at me with goodness – do what you will say the superiors”.”Oh, p most holy father, if you will say “Yes”, everyone would agree!…”
I stared and spoke these words stressing each syllable “Well… well… Enter, if God wants it”… and I weight tore off his feet…” (173-174) A62v-63v