Saint Therese of Lisieux is the patron saint of missionaries, aviators, and florists. She is also the patron saint against illness and loss of parents.

The youngest of 5 girls, St. Therese was born to a religious middle-class family at Alcon, Normandy in France in 1873 as Francoise-Marie Therese Martin. She was eager to follow in her older sisters’ footsteps and become a Carmelite nun, but was refused due to her young age. Undeterred, she journeyed to see the Pope, and was granted permission to become a nun in 1888 when she was 15. She took her final vow at 17 and lived a life of holiness that she called “The Little Way,” an innocent love and trust in God. At the request of her sister Pauline, who was the convent’s prioress, St. Therese wrote her memories and ideas. These were later published in the book History of a Soul. St. Therese of Lisieux died on September 30, 1897 from tuberculosis.

St. Therese medals are an inspirational gift for those who are interested in doing missionary work. They are also an uplifting symbol for those who are ill or who have lost their parents.