Centenary of the Canonisation of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

To mark the centenary of the canonisation of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, known as Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Post and Philately Service is issuing a commemorative aerogramme paying tribute to one of the most beloved and popular figures in modern Christian spirituality. Canonised by Pope Pius XI on 17 May 1925, who called her “the star of my pontificate”, Thérèse Martin, a Discalced Carmelite nun at the monastery in Lisieux, is remembered throughout the world for her “little way”, a path to holiness based on total trust in God, humble love and dedication to small everyday tasks. In 1927, she was proclaimed Patroness of the Missions, even though she never left the convent, and in 1997, St John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church, recognising the theological depth and extraordinary relevance of her message.The aerogramme dedicated to this centenary in the main panel features a posthumous portrait by Teresa's sister, Sister Céline, also a Carmelite in Lisieux. The image, enriched with a motif of roses, recalls the promise of graces made by the saint herself: ‘I will send a shower of roses from Heaven’. The value stamp reproduces a famous photographic portrait dating from the last year of Saint Thérèse's life. Through this issue, Vatican City wishes to commemorate the spiritual legacy of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a shining example of evangelical love that continues to speak to the hearts of men and women of our time.