With Empty Hands

This is an entirely new translation and edition of Conrad de Meester's moving presentation of the life, thought and spirituality of St Therese of Lisieux. The author has revised and amplified his previous books on the saint in the light of new annotated editions of her own works, and the many recent works of research and commentary in this area. Friar de Meester asks why and how this young girl, who asked to be admitted to the Carmel at Lisieux and persevered in her vocation to a hidden life in an obscure part of France, is not only loved and invoked by millions of people, but has become a profound influence on theology, spirituality and the missionary apostolate. He shows how the intuitions of her faith were achieved by growing from spiritual poverty to spiritual maturity through much suffering, and in spite of many crises and reversals. He pays full attention to the psychology of the saint, her family influence and her prayer life and faith. This book reveals Therese as a saint of hope whose constant watchword was "My God, I love you", and as a revolutionary of love through whom God worked and works as a liberating force.