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Therese was born in Alencon, France. Her parents were Louis Martin (1823-1894) and Zelie Guerin (1831 - 1877). St Therese was the youngest of their nine children.
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St. Therese's mother died of breast cancer when Therese was four years old. The following winter her father moved the family to Lisieux, France.
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When Saint Therese was about seven she was fell ill with a serious fever and bouts of hallucinations no doctor could explain. Therese's older sister, Pauline, had entered the Carmelite monastery before her mysterious illness. When she recovered, Therese decided she would also like to enter the convent.
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Went to school for five years but was found her classes boring. Because she was intelligent and quick the nuns advanced the eight-year-old to classes for fourteen-year-olds.
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Therese prayed to a statue of the Virgin near her bed. Suddenly Mary's face radiated kindness and love. Therese was cured. That statue has since been called "Our Lady of the Smile".
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Therese journeyed to see Pope Leo XIII in Rome. During a general audience with the Pope, Therese asked him to let her enter the Carmelite order.
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Therese makes her full profession in the Carmelite order.
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She was moved to the monastary infirmary
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