St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “The Little Flower” – Patroness of Children of the Eucharist.
Growing up, Antoinette was very close to her maternal Grandmother “Nanny Sadie”, a holy, selfless woman with much suffering in her life. Nanny Sadie was a great role model for Antoinette and was hugely instrumental in her life. Despite the many trials she had to endure, she was a woman of great faith and had an immense devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Martin de Porres. Throughout her life, Sadie was touched by the “Little Flower’s” intercession and imitated her “little way.” Antoinette too adopted a devotion to these great saints, from her Grandmother. In the early years of the ministry, Antoinette prayed intently to St. Thérèse, pleading for her intercession for COTE and often venerated her relics and those of her parents, Saints Louis and Zelie Martin.
Children of the Eucharist and St. Thérèse ‘s “little way” are so compatible for many reasons. The beauty of her childlike faith and love shines through in COTE; the children come and meet their heavenly Father in a very real and personable way.
Antoinette would like to dedicate this book to her Grandmother, Sarah Thompson, fondly known as Nanny Sadie.
St. Thérèse, the “little flower of Jesus”, pray for us.