Starting October 1, on the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a special podcast will launch, guiding listeners through her famous autobiography, Story of a Soul.
This 28-day journey is part of Season 3 of Ascension’s “Catholic Classics” podcast series.
Hosted by Dominican Father Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Carmelite Father Michael-Joseph Paris, this season will dive deep into the life and teachings of the beloved saint.
Father Paris’ Connection to St. Thérèse
Father Michael-Joseph Paris, a Discalced Carmelite friar, belongs to the same religious order as St. Thérèse.
His connection to the saint goes beyond mere admiration; she played a pivotal role in his own spiritual journey.
Speaking with CNA, Father Paris shared his vocation story, highlighting how St. Thérèse’s life continues to inspire him and other Catholics around the world today.
A Life-Changing Conversion
Paris’ spiritual path wasn’t always clear. At 18, he found himself in a troubled state.
“My life was a mess, and I was heading in a bad direction,” he confessed.
Desperate for change, he began praying and seeking God’s help. To his amazement, he felt God responding, even in the midst of his struggles.
“I started reading the Bible, especially the Gospels,” he recalled.
“Christ’s words hit me hard. I realized my biggest problem was selfishness, and it became clear that love was the only way forward.”
This awakening led him back to the sacraments, and within two years, Paris began to seriously consider the priesthood.
The Influence of “Story of a Soul”
During his discernment, Paris turned to Story of a Soul, the autobiography of St. Thérèse.
Her story gave him the confidence to believe that he, too, could follow God’s call.
“I thought, ‘If this young girl could trust so deeply in God’s power, why can’t I?’”
Paris shared. St. Thérèse’s unwavering trust in God helped him embrace the possibility of becoming a priest.
Becoming a Carmelite Friar
Paris was ordained for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., but his spiritual journey didn’t stop there.
A retreat at a Carmelite convent reignited his passion for Carmelite spirituality.
“It felt like everything changed in me. I knew my life should be dedicated to this,” he said.
Eventually, Paris became a Carmelite friar, taking his final vows in 2022.
Throughout his journey, Paris often found that St. Thérèse made her presence known, guiding him along the way.
“Every major moment of discernment, there she was—an image of her, reminding me I was on the right path.”
Relating to St. Thérèse’s Struggles
Paris believes that part of St. Thérèse’s widespread appeal lies in her vulnerability.
She openly struggled with feelings of inadequacy, something many people can relate to.
“Her sense of need, her struggles with self-doubt, make her story accessible to all of us,” Paris explained.
He advises that when we face moments of self-doubt, we should not fall into self-pity but instead turn our trust to God.
The Hope of the Podcast
As the podcast launches, Father Paris hopes listeners will come away feeling profoundly loved, despite their flaws.
“St. Thérèse teaches us that with all our limitations, we are infinitely loved. We can have total confidence that God will make us saints in his own way,” he said.
Following up on its Season 2, which explored The Confessions of St. Augustine, Season 3 of “Catholic Classics” offers a chance for deep reflection and spiritual growth through the teachings of St. Thérèse.
Whether you’re new to her story or a longtime admirer, this podcast promises to be an enriching spiritual experience.