St. Therese of Lisieux, Patroness of Missions
Celebrating Feast Day on October 1st, 2024.
Therese of Lisieux is one of the missions' patron saints, not because she journeyed anywhere, but because of her great love for the missions and the prayers and letters she wrote in support of missionaries. This serves as a reminder to all of us who feel inadequate to do anything that it is the small actions that enable God's kingdom flourish.
CHARIS aims to inspire, unite, and enable individuals to live out their faith, closely aligning with St. Therese’s mission. Both emphasize igniting faith and solidarity through small, impactful acts of love, demonstrating how even modest gestures can inspire and unite communities.
Her profound love for God and her deep yearning to be a missionary created a unique paradox. Though her physical presence was confined within convent walls, her spirit reached far beyond, touching the distant corners of the world through the unseen power of her prayers and sacrifices.
Just like scattered petals that, though small, had the power to touch hearts and souls. This aligns perfectly with CHARIS’ purpose of inspiring and enabling people to see the significance of their own actions, no matter how small, in the grand tapestry of God’s love.
Furthermore, CHARIS’ mission to unite people mirrors her desire to bring together diverse individuals through a shared love for God. Her understanding that every act of love is a part of a greater whole—each “petal” contributing to a divine bouquet—reflects CHARIS’ vision of fostering unity in faith and purpose.
Just as St. Therese’s small yet significant actions continue to inspire countless people, so does CHARIS seek to inspire individuals to embrace their own call to serve, no matter where they find themselves.