π Life Timeline
1900
Born August 13 in Minas, Chile
1900
Born August 13 in Minas, Chile
1923
heart problems and other illnesses
1975
want to die doing an act of trust
1920
Died β October 13, 1920 AD, Santiago
1993
Canonized β 1993 by Pope John Paul II
β Biography
Born Zita Fernandez y Ascencio on August 13, 1900 in Minas, Chile. Entered the Carmelite monastery in Rancagua at age 14βthe youngest ever admitted. Took the name Therese of Jesus Child and of the Holy Face, inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, whom she called her 'sister in heaven.' Lived the Little Way in the Carmel. Suffered from heart problems and other illnesses. Died Jul 12, 1923 at age 22 from heart failure. Her last words: 'I want to die doing an act of trust.' Beatified in 1975, canonized in 1993 by John Paul II. First Chilean saint. Patron of Chile and young people.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Chile, South America, young people, the sick, and those who offer their suffering.
π¬ Words of the Saint
Love never retires.
π Key Facts
Born
August 13, 1900, Minas, Chile
Died
October 13, 1920 AD, Santiago
Feast Day
Oct 13
Canonized
1993 by Pope John Paul II
π Legacy
Therese of the Andes is Chile's patron saint. Her incorrupt body draws pilgrims to Santiago. She proved that a young person in the Global South could achieve extraordinary holiness.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Diary
On the Little Way
I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth. I want to be a flower sent by Jesus to the Father. My little way is to do small things with great love. I want to be a child of God, a child of Mary, a child of the Church. I want to be happy in heaven and on earth.
β St. Therese of the Andes