Page 44 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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convinced that St. Thérèse of Lisieux is praying for him. She is best
known as "The Little Way" or "The Little Flower" of Jesus Christ.

Keith had no prior knowledge of St. Thérèse until his first
interaction with Fr. Barry on October 1, 2019. After their meeting at
Mary's Mercy Center in San Bernardino, CA, a miraculous event
occurred while walking down the outdoor ramp of the building. Keith
and his cousin suddenly smelled the scent of roses around them,
although no roses were in view. Keith did not know the significance
of the miracle but later learned from his wife, Tracy, that it
happened on the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Saint's Day,
October 1.

Keith believes she is praying for him to restore the truth by
simplifying things concerning our faith. St. Thérèse finds it much
easier to reject rules and laws but harder to reject a friendship so
we can begin a dialogue. She highlights that it is not about reading
theology or praying with beautiful words but believing there is an
alternative way to reach God, a much simpler way. A path that
anyone can follow by renewing the most fundamental and universal
truth.

St. Thérèse's final desire was to dedicate her life to
missionary work in Vietnam, particularly in the northern region
where Keith's great-grandparents built Phuong Duc Catholic
Church. However, she passed away from tuberculosis in 1897 at
the young age of twenty-four. St. Thérèse was driven by her
passion for evangelization with a clear goal in mind, as she says:
"What we ask of him is to work for his glory, to love him and to
make him loved" (Letter 220). Keith has faith the people in northern