The growth of an individual can happen very gradually, and therefore, be unnoticeable. In the case of St. Thérèse, her growth is quite tangible. It is clear in her writing that she is making conscious efforts to overcome her timidity. This is clear in her visit to the bishop as she requests his special permission for entrance into Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss St. Thérèse’s experience of meeting the bishop and ponder how she must have felt after his denial. They point out how St. Thérèse is continuing to show great tenacity in her pursuit of Carmel.

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