Marie Frances Therese Martin (Saint Therese) was born on January 2, 1873 in Alencon in Normandy, France. St. Theresa entered the Convent of the Carmelites of Lisieux in 1888 at the September 30, 1897. She tells the story of her years in the Carmelites and the formation years within her family preceding her entry into Carmel in her auto-biography, The Story of a Soul. This account tells something of the great love for Jesus that inspired every action of her brief life.

The church has proclaimed St. Theresa, patroness of the missions in recognition of her intense concern and constant prayers for those engaged in apostolic works. She claimed that her purpose in entering Carmel was "to save souls, and especially to pray for priests."

Feast Day October 1st