CarmelCast

Envy poisons the soul, making us see others as rivals rather than companions in grace. But St. Thérèse of Lisieux discovered a truth that uproots envy completely—God’s love is infinite, merciful, and personal. 

We explore St. Thérèse’s profound garden imagery and how it reveals the key to overcoming envy. She once longed to be like the rose, yet she found peace in accepting her place as a simple violet or daisy. Her wisdom teaches us that God’s love is not scarce like earthly goods but abundant like the noonday sun, shining on all without measure. Discover how to embrace your place in God’s garden and rejoice in the gifts of others.

Why give yourself completely to God? St. Thérèse of Lisieux shows us the answer: because He is Mercy itself. Throughout her life, Thérèse sang of God’s mercy, not just in words but in how she lived—with total trust and surrender. But what does it really mean to trust in God’s mercy? And how do we respond to it?

In this reflection, we explore the heart of Thérèse’s spirituality—her confidence in God's love, even in weakness. We’ll see how scripture reveals God's desire for mercy, not sacrifice, and how Thérèse embraced this truth with childlike trust. Her Act of Offering to Merciful Love invites us to do the same.

No matter who you are or what you've done, God's mercy is waiting for you. Will you trust Him? Watch now to discover how giving yourself completely to God is not just possible—it’s the greatest decision you’ll ever make.

Lent is a season of conversion—a time to return to that first encounter with God’s love. St. Thérèse of Lisieux remembered hers clearly: Christmas night, 1886. After years of spiritual struggle, she received the grace to overcome her self-preoccupation and embrace love and sacrifice.

Like Moses at the burning bush and the Samaritan woman at the well, Thérèse’s encounter changed everything. God calls us to the same transformation—to receive His love and share it with others. This Lent, let’s open our hearts to His presence once again.

How can we find Jesus hidden in our daily lives? St. Thérèse of Lisieux sought to see Christ’s face even in moments of darkness, offering her suffering for others and recognizing His presence in those in need. In this video, we explore her devotion to the Holy Face, her “trial of faith,” and how her spiritual insights can help us see Christ in both glory and suffering. Join us as we uncover the beauty of seeking Jesus, even when He seems hidden.

Temptation can feel like a burden, but St. Thérèse of Lisieux saw it as a hidden grace—a path to spiritual growth and deeper union with God. Through Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and Thérèse’s own letters, this reflection explores how struggles with temptation can strengthen our faith rather than weaken it. Listen now to discover how to embrace trials with trust and confidence in God’s plan!

Your dignity as a human being surpasses all creation—you are made for union with God. St. Thérèse of Lisieux not only believed this but lived it daily, longing so ardently for this union that she desired to die of love. 

Raised in a deeply devout family, she entered Carmel at 15, embracing her “Little Way”—a path of confidence, love, and offering every sacrifice for God.

At 24, through suffering and darkness of faith, she remained steadfast, surrendering herself completely. Her final words, “My God, I love You!”, sealed a life of radical love. Now a Doctor of the Church, she guides souls to holiness, showering roses from heaven.

Both Mary and Thérèse lived lives deeply centered on Scripture, not merely as a text to study but as a living encounter with Jesus Christ. Discover how their prayerful pondering of the Word invites us into deeper intimacy with God, both in the liturgy and personal prayer. This Advent, let their example inspire you to hear God’s voice in Scripture and respond with your whole heart.


This video is for the fourth week of Advent and accompanies an online retreat:
http://www.retreat-online.karmel.at

Presenter: Br. Vladimir Guadalupe, O.C.D.
Voiceover for St. Therese: Emma Self

Learn more about the Basilica of the Little Flower mentioned in today's video: http://www.LittleFlowerBasilica.org

St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s life reminds us that everything is grace, even in moments of suffering or deprivation. Her profound Eucharistic spirituality teaches us how to trust in God’s love, offering our lives to Him with confidence and humility. As we journey through Advent, her “Little Way” inspires us to await Christ’s coming with hope, knowing that His grace transforms all things. At Christmas, we celebrate the ultimate gift of grace: God made flesh, dwelling among us.

This video is for the third week of Advent and accompanies an online retreat:
http://www.retreat-online.karmel.at

Presenter: Br. Isaiah of the Holy Face, O.C.D.
Voiceover for St. Therese: Emma Self

St. Thérèse of Lisieux exemplifies profound confidence in God’s merciful love, illustrated through her metaphor of the little bird. This imagery highlights her humility in recognizing spiritual poverty and her bold trust in God’s strength rather than personal efforts. Her example demonstrates that confidence in God is accessible to all, as it rests entirely on His goodness, not human perfection. Through the bird’s gaze fixed on the Divine Sun, she reveals a spirituality centered on God’s love and the hope of being lifted to holiness by His grace. Rooted in Advent’s themes of waiting and trusting in God’s promises, her life inspires a deeper awareness of the need for Christmas. 


This video is for the second week of Advent and accompanies an online retreat:
http://www.retreat-online.karmel.at

Presenter: Br. John-Magdalene, O.C.D.
Voiceover for St. Therese: Emma Self

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus exemplified spiritual childhood, but its ultimate model is Christ Himself, who eternally receives everything from the Father. This filial receptivity is the essence of Christian prayer, as seen in Christ’s relationship with the Father and reflected in contemplative prayer, which St. John of the Cross describes as pure receptivity. Thérèse lived this deeply, seeing prayer as a heartfelt aspiration, even amid dryness, and trusting God’s guidance in her daily life. Her spiritual path mirrors Christ’s, who always turned to the Father, doing only what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19).

This video is for the first week of Advent and accompanies an online retreat:
http://www.retreat-online.karmel.at

St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face will help us prepare for Christmas
Presenter: Br. Nathanael of Jesus, O.C.D.