Was St. Therese's mother herself a saint? Zelie Martin and her husband Louis were declared Venerable by the Church in 1994 for their “Heroic Virtue,” and the couple's cause is now progressing toward Beatification. Zelie married at 27, bore 9 children, ran a home business and did a superb job of raising 5 daughters – including the “greatest saint of modern times.” She died of breast cancer at 45, but her greatness was recognized by her family and her friends, and is now known to the world. Zelie suffered many of the ordinary burdens of life, yet she was happy, loved her children “madly” and enjoyed them immensely.
Turned down by the convent because of poor health, Zelie Martin courageously faced the worldly struggles of dealing with family worries, illnesses, the death of 4 of her children, disciple problems, business problems, irreligious people – even quartering and counseling young German soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War – bringing her totally Catholic outlook to everything she did.
This book was written by her daughter Celine, who had access to Zelie's letters and to the reminiscences of her older sisters in the Carmel of Lisieux. It is authentic and inspiring, showing what a tremendous life's work and accomplishment it is to be a truly Catholic mother. Looking at Zelie's picture, one can see her incredible character, integrity, goodness, constancy, and love.

Measures 4.5" by 7".
Paperback, 112 pp.