Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation, “C’est la Confiance” (It is Confidence), published on 19 October 2023, opens with the words of St. Therese of Lisieux: “Nothing but confidence is the sole path that leads us to the Love that grants everything.” This exhortation, divided into four chapters and 53 paragraphs, serves as a comprehensive summary of Theresian spirituality and offers a key to interpreting her teachings in today’s socio-cultural context. The Pope emphasizes the significance of “Little Way” spirituality in the modern world.

The exhortation is organized under four titles: “Jesus for Others,” “The Little Way of Trust and Love,” “I will be love,” and “At the Heart of the Gospel.” Through these sections, Pope Francis highlights the essential dimensions of Theresian spirituality. The context of this exhortation is also crucial, as Saint Therese is one of the most recognized and beloved saints in our time. We commemorate her 150th anniversary of birth and the centenary of her beatification. UNESCO has recognized her as one of the most significant figures for contemporary humanity.

Pope Francis also explains his rationale for publishing this exhortation on the feast of St. Theresa of Avila, noting that St. Therese, the “Little Flower,” represents the mature fruit of the reform of Carmel and reflects the spirituality of the great Spanish saint. Despite living only 24 years and leading an ordinary life, the extraordinary love and light that she radiated became widely acknowledged shortly after her death, and the Church quickly affirmed her impact.

In the introduction of the exhortation, Pope Francis summarizes important insights from his predecessors. The name she received at Carmel, “Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face,” embodies the entire mystery of Jesus, revealed through his incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection. She not only embraced this name, but she also kept “the name of Jesus constantly on her lips as an act of love, even to her last breath.” Therese wrote, “Jesus is my one love” in her cell, which reflects her understanding of the New Testament’s supreme statement: “God is love.”

The “Little Way” spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the way of spiritual childhood, emphasizes love, confidence, and total abandonment. It is a path that anyone can follow, regardless of age or life circumstances. The Pope writes, “Therese, for her part, wished to highlight the primacy of God’s action; she encourages us to have complete confidence as we contemplate the love of Christ poured out to the end.” She firmly believed that she could achieve heaven despite her weaknesses and imperfections, placing her entire trust in God’s mercy. This is a journey of trust and love.

As the Pope highlights, “Therese experienced faith most powerfully and certainly in the midst of the dark night, especially during the darkness of Calvary.” Her witness reached its peak in the final months of her life, culminating in the profound “trial against the faith.” She humbly positioned herself not at the highest level but instead offered herself as a child in the hands of God, placing her absolute trust in Him, becoming a heroic model for many.

The exhortation concludes with a touching prayer:
“Dear Saint Therese,  
the Church needs to radiate the brightness,  
the fragrance, and the joy of the Gospel.  
Send us your roses!  
Help us to be, like yourself,  
ever confident in God’s immense Love for us,  
so that we may imitate each day  
your ‘little way’ of holiness.  
Amen.”

Fr. Saji Mathew Kanayankal CST