For those devoted to the Shroud of Turin, the Face of Christ is never an abstract idea. It is the suffering, silent Face of the Crucified Lord, inviting us to look, to love, and to respond. This makes St. Thérèse of Lisieux a especially fitting guide. Known as “the Little Flower,” St. Thérèse was a young French Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church whose full religious name was St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face. Her devotion to the Holy Face drew her deeply into the mystery of Christ’s suffering love, the same mystery contemplated by many who encounter the Man of the Shroud.

On May 22, Fr. Joseph Spence, FFm, will release his new book, Learning How to Love with St. Thérèse: Seven Windows into True Charity, published by Angelico Press. In it, Fr. Spence turns to St. Thérèse’s charity toward her neighbor: her patience, mercy, and concrete love in daily life. The book follows his desire to let Thérèse’s own life, writings, and witness speak clearly about fraternal charity, especially in a time marked by division and conflict. Angelico Press lists pre-orders available through its website. (Angelico Press)

St. Thérèse teaches that love is not only found in great sacrifices, but in small, hidden acts offered with great faithfulness. Her connection to the Holy Face makes her message especially meaningful for those who contemplate the Shroud: to look upon the suffering Face of Christ is also to learn how to recognize and love Him in others. Fr. Spence’s new book invites readers to enter that school of charity with St. Thérèse as a guide.