Saint Therese at Unesco
On November 11, 2021, the General Conference of UNESCO Member States validated the registration of Thérèse of Lisieux for the anniversaries with which UNESCO will be associated for the years 2022/2023, on the occasion of the 150e anniversary in 2023, of the birth of Thérèse Martin in Alençon, January 2, 1873.
A young French woman known all over the world, a woman of culture, education and science, Thérèse of Lisieux, through her personality, her work scrutinizes the depths of the human heart and opens possible paths of response to men and women of this world in search of meaning, in search of personal and universal peace.
The recognition by UNESCO of Thérèse of Lisieux on the proposal of France opens new perspectives for the dissemination of her message of life, peace and love to "the most remote islands" as Thérèse of Lisieux expresses it. itself, to the "outskirts", according to the expression of Pope Francis.
“Thérèse of Lisieux is a nun who died at the age of 24, known in particular for her posthumous publications, including Story of a Soul. This celebration will contribute to bringing greater visibility and justice to women who have promoted, through their actions, the values of peace,” can we read in the presentation made to Unesco by Mgr FOLLO, permanent observer of the Holy See to UNESCO.
“Given the celebrity of Thérèse of Lisieux in the Catholic community (the city of Lisieux being the second place of pilgrimage in France after Lourdes), the celebration of her birthday can be an opportunity to highlight the role of women within the religions in the fight against poverty and the promotion of inclusion, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals", continues Unesco, for which the figure of the saint can also reinforce its message "on the importance of culture (poems and written plays) in promoting universal values and as a vehicle for interreligious dialogue».
« The recognition by Unesco of Thérèse of Lisieux on the proposal of France opens new perspectives for the dissemination of her message of life, peace and love to "the most remote islands" as Thérèse of Lisieux expresses it. itself, to the "outskirts", to use the expression of Pope Francis rejoices Father Olivier Ruffray, rector of the sanctuary of Lisieux. " Known throughout the world, Thérèse, thanks to her works and her testimony, contributes to the promotion of universal values. Through the quality and depth of her life, she speaks a language that goes beyond borders, that of Love underlines Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the Louis and Zélie Martin sanctuary in Alençon.
Appointed Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1997, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux enjoys worldwide influence.
