laden with graces, and it was
easy to discern the Spirit of God speaking His praises out of the
mouth of that innocent child.

Had not this Spirit of Truth already dictated these words to the
great Teresa of Avila:

"Let those souls who have reached to perfect union with God hold
themselves in high esteem, with a humble and holy presumption. Let
them keep unceasingly before their eyes the remembrance of the
good things they have received, and beware of the thought that
they are practising humility in not recognising the gifts of God.
Is it not clear that the constant remembrance of gifts bestowed
serves to increase the love of the giver? How can he who ignores
the riches he possesses, spend them generously upon others?"

But the above was not the only occasion on which the "little
Therese of Lisieux"[8] gave utterance to words that proved
prophetic. In the month of April, 1895, while she was still in
excellent health, she said in confidence to one of the older nuns:
"I shall die soon. I do not say that it will be in a few months,
but in two or three years at most; I know it because of what is
taking place in my soul."

The novices betrayed surprise when she read their inmost thoughts.
"This is my secret," she said to them: "I never reprimand you
without first invoking Our Blessed Lady, and asking her to inspire
me as to what will be most for your good, and I am often
astonished myself at the things I teach you. At such times I feel
that I make no mistake, and that it is Jesus Who speak by my lips."

During her illness one of her sisters had experienced some moments
of acute distress, amounting almost to discouragement, at the
thought of the inevitable parting. Immediately afterwards she went
to the Infirmary, but was careful not to let any sign of grief be
seen. What was her surprise when Therese, in a sad and serious
tone, thus addressed her: "We ought not to weep like those who
have no hope."

One of the Mothers, having come to visit her, did her a trifling
service. "How happy I should be," thought the Mother, "if this
Angel would only say: 'I will repay you in Heaven!' At that
instant Soeur Therese, turning to her, said: "Mother, I will repay
you in Heaven!"

But more surprising than all, was her consciousness of the mission
for which Our Lord had destined her. The veil which hides the
future seemed lifted, and more than once she revealed to us its
secrets, in prophecies which have already been realised.