An Ignatius Press Reprint

Ignatius Press Reprints are identical in content with the most recent print edition of the original title. In order to keep important titles available at reasonable prices, we reprint them digitally in small quantities. We use high quality, acid-free paper, but the books are not smyth-sewn as is customary with our offset press print editions.

This biography of Celine Martin will be most welcomed by the innumerable devotees of St. Therese because Celine was her closest sister and friend, had a great influence on Therese, and also became a very holy woman herself.

Celine entered the same Carmelite monastery as Therese and became Sister Genevieve of the Holy Face. She was the close confidante of Therese who confided in Celine all of her spiritual lights and graces and the great work the Holy Spirit was doing in her soul. Celine witnessed the short life and agonizing death of her beloved sister, having the privilege of receiving from Therese her last glance before her final ecstasy. Celine was the one who gave to the world the autobiographical manuscript of Therese, Story of a Soul, as well as her doctrine of Spiritual Childhood.

Celine's spiritual path was strewn with difficulties: she had numerous struggles, temptations and moments of darkness. She knew the bitterness of discouragement because her faults stubbornly refused to be uprooted. But she persevered on the "little way" in the footsteps of her great sister and became very saintly. She is an inspiring and consoling example for all who struggle for virtue without much apparent success. Illustrated.

“This book is a must for anyone who loves Theresian spirituality for it sheds new light on many facets of Therese's background."
-Alice von Hildebrand

"If you struggle for accomplishment on the road to holiness, Celine is the book for you. We learn from her how to embrace holy childhood. A beautiful book."
-Ronda Chervin, Ph. D.