I recently came across a passage in the diary of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, entitled The Story of a Soul. It was the passage where St. Thérèse described her First Confession.
My daughter just made her first Sacrament of Reconciliation, so this piqued by interest. If she could grow up with just an ounce of the simple love and faith of St. Thérèse, I will be very blessed as a father.
Here is also a new version of the autobiography St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Story of a Soul. It includes a workbook and study guide for prayer and study groups, as well as lots of photographs of St. Thérèse.
I read the following passage, not just to enliven my own faith, but to enliven my children's, as well. Note how St. Thérèse's sister Pauline encourages her in her devotion to the Holy Child Jesus.
St. Thérèse's First Confession
Here is the passage from The Story of a Soul about St. Thérèse's First Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Well instructed as to what I was to do, I entered the confessional, and turning round to the priest, so as to see him better, I made my confession and received absolution in a spirit of lively faith—my sister having assured me that at this solemn moment the tears of the Holy Child Jesus would purify my soul. I remember well that he exhorted me above all to a tender devotion towards Our Lady, and I promised to redouble my love for her who already filled so large a place in my heart. Then I passed him my Rosary to be blessed, and came out of the Confessional more joyful and lighthearted than I had ever felt before. It was evening, and as soon as I got to a street lamp I stopped and took the newly blessed Rosary out of my pocket, turning it over and over. “What are you looking at, Thérèse, dear?” asked Pauline. “I am seeing what a blessed Rosary looks like.”
Isn't that a beautiful passage? Such an amazing insight into the soul of the young saint?
I especially love the reference to the Rosary. Here is a guide to the Rosary that I put together, FYI. Have you ever thought of handing your Rosary to the priest after Confession for a blessing?
This seems like a reference to an old custom for children after receiving their first Sacrament of Reconciliation. Maybe we could bring it back?
St. Thérèse Quote: "What does a blessed Rosary look like?"
"What does a blessed Rosary look like?" Her childlike simplicity is so beautiful, but what's more incredible - St. Thérèse never lost it. I pray for this special grace for my children.
St. Thérèse and Her Devotion to the Holy Child Jesus
Note, also, how St. Thérèse's sister, Pauline, had encouraged her in her devotion to the Holy Child Jesus. This simple encouragement from an older sibling blossomed into one of history's greatest devotions. Never underestimate the effect of encouragement from an older brother or sister.
"Well instructed as to what I was to do" - Sacrament of Reconciliation Steps
St. Thérèse's First Confession was such an indelible and important memory for the future saint. Such grace flowed from her experience. But notice how well St. Thérèse had been prepared for this sacrament.
Note how St. Thérèse described her preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. St. Thérèse said she was "Well instructed as to what I was to do". It appears she was instructed, not just by her sister Pauline, but her parents, Saints Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin, as well.
Now, I know all children aren't lucky enough to be instructed in the sacraments by Saints, but we should try, right?
I have prepared the following Guide to Confession with an Act of Confession, step-by-step script, etc., to help our children or any new Catholic feel more comfortable when entering the confessional for the first time. Hope it helps!
If you are looking for a Biblical basis for Confession instead, I have also prepared this article to help you:
St. Thérèse, pray for us!
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