Novena Honoring St. Therese, Day Eight

The following excerpts are from the two last letters written by Therese to her "brother missionaries," priests she adopted spiritually and with whom she exchanged many thoughts and prayers.

July 26, 1897

When you read these few lines I shall perhaps be no more. I know

not the future; yet I can confidently say that my Spouse is at the

door. It would need a miracle to keep me in exile, and I do not

think that Jesus will work that miracle--He does nothing that is

of no avail.

Brother, I am so happy to die! Yes, happy . . . not because I

shall be free from suffering: on the contrary, suffering combined

with love seems the one thing worthy of desire in this vale of

tears; but happy to die because far more than on earth I shall

help the souls I hold dear.

Jesus has always treated me as a spoilt child. . . . It is true

that His Cross has been with me from the cradle, but for that

Cross He has given me a passionate love . . .

August 14, 1897

 I am about to go before God, and I understand now more than ever

that one thing only is needful--to work for Him alone, and do

nothing for self or creatures. Jesus wishes to own your heart

completely. Before this can be, you will have much to suffer . . .

but oh! what joy when comes the happy hour of going Home! I shall

not die--I do but enter into Life . . . and whatsoever I cannot

tell you here upon earth I will make you understand from the

heights of Heaven. . . .