This dissertation analyzed three Christological symbols-- the Spouse, the Child Jesus, and the Holy Face--in the writings Therese of Lisieux. The first chapter discussed the cultural and biographical background of Therese, placing her within the context of the nineteenth-century French-Catholic culture into which she was born. Chapter II traced the tradition of the symbol of Christ as Spouse. This symbol was particularly important to Therese vocationally, and the use she made of the symbol of the Spouse and the idea of spiritual marriage was analyzed. In Chapter III, the symbol of the Child Jesus was traced from its earliest origins in hymns and liturgical celebrations to its development devotionally in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century France. Therese's use of this symbol was then discussed. Chapter IV followed the same methodology for the symbol of the Holy Face. / The final chapter discussed Therese's synthesis of these symbols on a personal level and in her spirituality. A number of areas of synthesis were analyzed: first, the symbols of the Spouse and the Holy Face as Therese related to them personally; second, the symbols of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face as representing the "early" and "mature" thought of Therese; and then, the synthesis of the symbols of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face in her spirituality. Finally, the influence of Therese's "little way" on Dorothy Day and Mother Teresa of Calcutta was discussed, as well as the perennial value of her spirituality. / The value of the spirituality of Therese of Lisieux has been hidden traditionally under the rather insipid, spineless image that developed from popular devotion to her as the "Little Flower." While it is certainly true that her writings reflect the highly-romantic, sentimental style of the popular devotions of her time, her ideas are tied to themes of spirituality that are still important. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-12, Section: A, page: 4419. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1986.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_75999 |
| Contributors | PETERS, MARY-ELIZABETH., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 108 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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