October 1. St Therese, the little Flower, a model of Creation Spirituality.   Because of her poor health Therese grew up as a pampered girl in a very religious family.  She felt called to become a nun but her family thought she was not Gtrong enough.  However her love of God made her persist and she entered the Carmelite convent as a very young girl of 15. Her ill-health prevented her from being out in the mission field but she kept her love for the missions. She aimed at perfection through what she called “the little things,” and prayer and meditation.  She saw these little sacrifices of ordinary events as flowers and this simple spirituality earned her the name “Little Flower.”  Four of her sisters also entered the convent and her parents Louis and Zelie Martin have been canonised, as being a truly holy couple.  Therese wrote in her journal, “Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love?  Great deeds are forbidden me.  The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and they are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love. I do them like a child who does not know how to read; I say very simply to God what I want to say and He always understands me.”  www.catholic.org/saints.   

Pope Francis:  St Therese invites us to practise the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship.   An integral ecology is also made up of simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness. LS 230

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  As a couple or family share your favourite most beautiful flower and, when possible, plant it or another flowering plant to preserve it and be reminded to thank God for beauty in creation. Pray Glory be to the Father……..