St. Therese's father, Louis Martin, was himself a saint, canonized in 2015 along with his wife, Zelie. Louis was the pattern of fatherhood on which St. Therese built her now famous “Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.” What kind of a father was he?
These authentic reminiscences describe Louis Martin's marriage at age thirty-four. They tell of his love and support for Zelie, firm discipline and tender affection for his children, personal piety, ethical business practices, selfless conduct, and generosity to the poor. Celine gives particular attention to the sufferings of her father's old age, foreseen in a vision by Therese, which included a period of time spent in a mental institution. She describes his beautiful death, as well as a sign received by Therese indicating that their father's soul had gone straight to heaven. A selection of letters written by Louis gives additional insights into his character.
All of Louis Martin's daughters considered themselves highly blessed to have had so good a father. And we today in turn are blessed to possess this literary portrait of such a man – the saintly father of “the greatest saint of modern times.”
Measures 4.25" by 7".
Paperback, 138 pp.