By Selen Y. in our Brooklyn community

During the summer, our Divine Mercy Parish runs a children’s catechism class. Recently, they asked if I would be willing to make a presentation on St. Therese of Lisieux. Immediately ideas were running through my head – How am I going to present a cloistered nun to children between the ages 6 and 12? I thought why not dress up as her and give a first person account? So with the help of our friend Gisiela from the rosary group, we pulled together a Carmelite habit costume.

On the day of the presentation, I came dressed like St. Therese and shared with them how “my” older sisters had the greatest impact on my life to pursue sanctity and virtue alongside my parents. I told them of the great adventure that “I” had in order to enter into Carmel at age 15. I finished by sharing with them that most importantly, life is not so much doing great things, but doing little things with great love. 

The following week we visited the actual monastery of Carmelites in Brooklyn and the children were actually able to see and talk with real nuns behind the grille. Fr. Tom asked the children what they noticed about the sisters. After a moment of silence, he helped them out – “Their joy!” By the presence of wonderful examples like the nuns in the Carmelite Monastery and everyone who comes to be with the kids, they are able to see that real happiness is found in following God and living in Him.

St. Therese of Lisieux, pray for us!