In this episode, we come to learn of “the pivotal moment” in the life of Léonie.
Even with all of the physical and emotional issues suffered by Léonie, there seemed to be something more, a mystery as it were, that prevented Zélie from having a deep maternal relationship with her struggling daughter. Zélie would say that this inability to win the heart of this difficult daughter was for her “the greatest sorrow of her life.”
Since the death of Sr. Marie Dosithée (Élise Guérin), Zélie begged her beloved oldest sister to intercede for her in heaven in order to return her poor child’s heart to her. At this same time Marie, her oldest daughter, having finished her time at boarding school was now home. Marie, who began to help with the care for her younger sisters, became aware of an alarming situation involving the maid Louise and her concealed abusive treatment of Léonie. She promptly informed her mother. Zélie, with this new knowledge and understanding, took immediate action.
In this episode, we hear a little more about her younger sister, Marie Hélène, who died at the age of 5, as well three other siblings, Joseph Louis, Joseph Jean-Baptiste, and Marie Mélanie-Thérèse, who all died during infancy. We then begin to experience the challenges of Leonie’s education and the ability to interact with others appropriately. What is the family to do? How can her challenges be addressed in love?
We also here more from Leonie’s loving aunt, Zélie’s sister, Elise, now known as Sister Marie-Dosithée, a member the Visitation Sisters.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor begin a new series that reflects on the life of the “forgotten” sister of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Servant of God Léonie Martin.
Fr. Gallagher says, “Léonie’s life holds a very important story because she was the forgotten one; she was the one who was in the last place; she was the one who was less gifted than the others. Today we would call her a ‘problem child’, and we’ll see that she certainly was the source of great anxiety to her parents, especially to her mother, Zélie, who loved her dearly.”
As a child, Léonie suffered from severe illnesses and physical maladies that would plague her entire life. She also struggled with understanding social clues and interactions, and with behaving appropriately. Conventional educational models of the day failed to meet her particular needs, and she was labeled “developmentally delayed”. Yet those who knew her well described her as having a “heart of gold”.
Who was Léonie and what were her struggles? Why has her cause of canonization begun? Father Gallagher, along with Kris McGregor, answers these questions and explains why Léonie is “a bearer of hope” in this landmark series.
Spiritual Joy and Hope – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast In this episode, Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the virtue of joy in the “Lord of the Rings,” even in the face of challenges and suffering. He emphasizes the persistent joy found amidst the characters’ … Read more
Advent #1 – Finding Joy and Hope in Challenging Times – Advent Reflections w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts Dr. Anthony Lilles, focusing on Pope Benedict XVI’s writings, discusses how illness, physically or emotionally, during Advent can be a unique spiritual opportunity. He emphasizes that suffering and difficulty can be a form of … Read more
“God’s Promises Are Always Greater Than Our Hopes” VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2010 (vatican.va).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I still remember with great joy the Apostolic Journey I made in the United Kingdom last September. England is … Read more
“God’s Promises Are Always Greater Than Our Hopes” VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2010 (vatican.va).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I still remember with great joy the Apostolic Journey I made in the United Kingdom last September. England is … Read more
