"Story of a Soul" Quotes by St. Therese de Lisieux

Here are selected quotes from Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux by St. Therese de Lisieux. It is one of the best Christian books ever written, in my opinion.

- "This desire might seem presumptuous, seeing how week and imperfect I was and still am, even after eight years as a nun, yet I always feel the same fearless uncertainty that I shall become a great saint. I'm not relying on my own merits, as I have none, but I put my hope in Him who is goodness and holiness Himself. It is He alone who, satisfied with my feeble efforts, will raise me to Him, will clothe me with His infinite merits, and will make me a saint." (37-38)

- "She showed me how one could achieve sanctity by being faithful in the smallest matters." (39)

- "Sometimes I felt lonely, very lonely, but then peace and courage would come back to me if I repeated the line: 'The world's thy ship and not thy home.'" (48)

- "It's absolutely true that 'nothing is impossible to love, for love is convinced it may and can do all things.'" (64)

- "I realized very clearly that happiness has nothing to do with the material things which surround us; it dwells in the very depths of the soul." (79)

- "I know that every soul cannot be alike. There must be different kinds so that each of the perfections of God can be specially honored." (109)

- "He knows very well that although I had not the consolation of faith, I forced myself to act as if I had. I have made more acts of faith in the last year than in the whole of my life." (118)

- "For is there any greater joy than to suffer for love of You? The more intense and hidden the suffering is, the more pleasing it is to You." (118)

- "There my only aim would be to do the will of God and to welcome every sacrifice He wished. I know I should not be disappointed, for the slightest pleasure is a surprise when one expects nothing but suffering. And suffering itself becomes the greatest of all joys when one seeks it like a precious treasure." (121)

- "But now I realize that true charity consists in putting up with all one's neighbor's faults, never being surprised by his weakness, and being inspired by the least of his virtues." (122-123)

- "When a soul has been captivated by the intoxicating odor of Your ointments, she cannot run alone. Every soul she loves is drawn after her - a natural consequence of her being drawn to You." (149)

- "I want to be fascinated by Your gaze." (165)