St. Thérèse’s First Confession

Well instructed as to what I was to do, I entered the confessional, and turning round to the priest, so as to see him better, I made my confession and received absolution in a spirit of lively faith—my sister having assured me that at this solemn moment the tears of the Holy Child Jesus would purify my soul. I remember well that he exhorted me above all to a tender devotion towards Our Lady, and I promised to redouble my love for her who already filled so large a place in my heart. Then I passed him my Rosary to be blessed, and came out of the Confessional more joyful and lighthearted than I had ever felt before. It was evening, and as soon as I got to a street lamp I stopped and took the newly blessed Rosary out of my pocket, turning it over and over. “What are you looking at, Thérèse, dear?” asked Pauline. “I am seeing what a blessed Rosary looks like.”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul

St. Thérèse’s The Story of a Soul is on sale for the next week, alongside these works by St. Jerome, whose Memorial was yesterday:

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Verbum

Verbum, part of the Logos family, empowers Catholics to study Scripture and explore Church tradition.

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2 comments
  • I love this passage: “What are you looking at, Thérèse, dear?” asked Pauline. “I am seeing what a blessed Rosary looks like.”

    So beautiful!

  • I would have never thought to pass my Rosary to the confessor for a blessing. I would probably never have looked to see the difference in a blessed Rosary. But after a particular confession, I came out knowing exactly how she felt, to my own degree. Jesus and Our Lady will be found there in that confessional, Every time.

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