St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Carmelite, Virgin Doctor of the Church, Patron of the Missions

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, also known as St. Thérèse of Lisieux, was a French Carmelite nun who lived in the late 19th century. Born in 1873, she entered the Carmelite convent at the age of 15 and dedicated her life to serving God through prayer and spiritual devotion. Despite her short life, she made a profound impact on the Catholic Church and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997, one of only four women to be given this title. She is the patron saint of the missions, and her "Little Way" of spiritual simplicity and trust in God's love has inspired millions of people around the world.