Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the depth and relatability of St. Thérèse of Lisieux through her family dynamics and her correspondence with her cousin, Marie Guérin. These correspondences exhibit Thérèse’s profound spiritual wisdom, even at a young age, and how she comforted Marie during a period of spiritual struggle, particularly with scrupulosity. Fr. Gallagher reflects on Thérèse’s ability to bring divine consolation to Marie, especially in the context of modern struggles, like those related to purity, temptations, and scruples.

The conversation focuses on a particular letter exchange in which Marie expresses distress over her experiences in Paris during the 1889 Exposition. She describes feeling overwhelmed by the temptations and nudity she encounters, fearing that she has sinned by being curious. Marie worries that she cannot receive Communion, as she feels complicit in her thoughts.

Thérèse responds with reassurance, expressing that Marie has committed no sin and encouraging her to continue receiving Communion. Thérèse shares her own experience with scrupulosity, offering spiritual advice and urging Marie to trust in God’s mercy and to not let the devil’s discouragement keep her from Christ in the Eucharist.

This exchange shows Thérèse’s deep understanding of the human heart and her unwavering focus on encouraging love for Jesus, especially through frequent reception of Communion. Through this exchange, Thérèse’s spiritual wisdom shines, and her letters become a source of hope, not just for Marie, but for all who struggle with similar concerns today

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Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality, deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

The post TM3 – Facing Temptations with Grace – St. Therese and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.