SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX
The Plays of St. Thérèse of Lisieux: "Pious Recreations"

Translated by Susan Conroy and David J. Dwyer

Over a period of about three years toward the end of her life, St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897) was asked by her Carmelite superiors to compose eight "theatrical pieces" for special occasions in her convent.  She did not consider them mere trivial amusements.  On the contrary, Thérèse invested herself wholeheartedly in the writing and performance of these little dramas, which provided a welcome opportunity to articulate her growing spiritual insights and share them with her religious community.  Here we find echoes of her great themes,  some where developed at greater length than anywhere else in her writings: Mary of Nazareth and Joan of Arc, humility and the "little way", confidence and love, and so much more.

ISBN 978-0-935216-47-9 ICS Code: PLA 376 pages, paper, $17.95.

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In the present volume, for the first time, all eight of her "plays" (or "pious recreations", as they are sometimes called in the French) are published together in their entirety for English-speaking readers.  They open a new window onto the message of the church's youngest "doctor".  Also included is a masterful general introduction by the noted Thérèsian expert, Bishop Guy Gaucher, O.C.D., as well as individual introductions to each play explaining it in context and significance.