Hello Family! My sister gave me a book called “Stronger Than Steel”, which is a book of letters from soldiers recounting how St. Therese helped them on the battlefield during World War I. I would like to share one that I particularly enjoyed from a young soldier who entered religious life after the war:
Reverend Mother,
During the war I belonged to the 62nd Artillery Regiment, 5th Battery. I had been fortunate enough to hear about Sister 
Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and when I went to the front, I commended myself to her and always carried her relic with me.
Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and when I went to the front, I commended myself to her and always carried her relic with me.In particularly critical circumstances, I invoked her unceasingly. Many of our men died; as for me I was redoubling my supplications to the good little saint, when, on March 14, 1916 (I will never forget this date), machine-gun fire was threatening us even more. So, with eight of my comrades, we had taken refuge in a shell hole, not far from our piece; we found ourselves on top of each other and so hemmed in that we could not even stand. The bombardment was redoubling in violence, everyone thought his final hour had come; as for me, I was praying to Little Thérèse with all my heart. Suddenly, a shell fell down near our shelter, and buried us all; my neighbor was split in half, as for me I got away with no more than a broken right shoulder. But, Reverend Mother Superior, the little saint I kept invoking with so much fervor didn't abandon me.
First, the hole in which we were buried became all bright, and I caught sight of Sister Thérèse surrounded by little children. Oh! How beautiful she was! And she was smiling at me and folding her hands as if to pray. Meanwhile, my comrades were busy unburying me. She thus kept watch over me as long as my rescue lasted, after which she vanished.
I then asked myself what these children surrounding Sister Thérèse meant; she made me understand that it was a lesson, to teach me that we must trust God as much as little children do their father.
I recommend myself to your prayers, Reverend Mother, for on September 8, led by my great Protector, I will be admitted to the novitiate, where I will have only one thought: to emulate her virtues.
Yours faithfully,
Louis Jules
Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus (SACJ) is a contemplative community of adoration in the Diocese of La Crosse Wisconsin.
