PLAYS OF ST THERESE OF LISIEUX

Over a period of about three years toward the end of her life, St. Thrse of Lisieux (1873-1897) was asked by her Carmelite superiors to compose eight "theatrical pieces" for special occasions in her convent. She did not consider them mere trivial amusements. On the contrary, Thrse invested herself wholeheartedly in the writing and performance of these little dramas, which provided a welcome opportunity to articulate her growing spiritual insights and share them with her religious community. Here we find echoes of her great themes, some where developed at greater length than anywhere else in her writings: Mary of Nazareth and Joan of Arc, humility and the "little way," confidence and love, and so much more.