The Brazilian Bishops' Conference unanimously asked the Holy Father at its recent meeting to declare St. Thérèse of Lisieux a Doctor of the Church.
A similar request was made in April 1991 by the General Chapter of the Discalced Carmelites. This petition was also sent by the French Bishops' Conference in October 1991. Soon, it is likely that the Bishops' Conferences of Belgium and Argentina will join them. Additionally, cardinals and bishops from many parts of the world, especially from Asia and Africa, have expressed a desire for this title to be granted. Several notable theologians, such as Yves Congar and Hans Urs von Balthasar, have stated that it would be a positive step.
The teaching of this "Little" saint – "the greatest wonder of modern times" (Pius XII), universal patroness of missions, "the star of my pontificate" (Pius XI 1927), "the greatest saint of our time" (St. Pius X) – has spread throughout the world since the beginning of this century through the publication of her writings, especially "Story of a Soul," which has been translated into more than fifty languages and dialects.
CITOC, English edition no. 5/1992, p. 67
