«I have read the lives of many missionaries. One I‘ve read is the life of Théophane Vénard, which interested me and touched me more than I can say.» This is how Saint Thérèse of Lisieux expressed herself on March 19, 1897. Shortly thereafter, she confided to her sisters the reason for this preference: «I like Théophane Vénard even more than Saint Louis de Gonzaga, because the life of Saint Louis de Gonzaga was extraordinary and Théophane Vénard‘s was quite ordinary.» She added, «My soul is like his. He is the one who has best lived my way of spiritual childhood.»

Full text - Download