New Book Recounts Modern Day Miracles of St. Therese and Widespread Conversions

Guy Gaucher.  I Would Like to Travel the World. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2023. Paperback. $18.95. 208 pages. Available from the publisher.

      This year marks the 150th anniversary of St. Therese of Lisieux’s birth. During Lent of this year, I was praying one day and said to God: If my life was different, I think I would like to be a missionary. Shortly after, one of my colleagues asked me if I would be the spokesperson for a newly translated book on the Little Flower titled I Would Like to Travel the World! So, from my home I’ve been able to talk with various platforms and individuals across the globe about this book.

      The author, Bishop Guy Gaucher, was auxiliary bishop of Lisieux and Bayeux. He highlights miracles obtained through her intercession from the 1990s to the beginning of the 21st century, explains why the declaration of St. Therese as Doctor of the Church is revolutionary, and chronicles an array of healings and conversions which continue to take place during her worldwide relic tour.

      Bishop Gaucher oversaw the editing of the critical editions of St. Therese’s writings which led to her being declared a Doctor of the Church. He received a flood of letters from individuals who experienced an array of miracles through St. Therese’s intercession and chose seventeen of their testimonies for this book. He wrote about the missionary spirit of St. Therese, saying:

            “This wish to go into the world to evangelize — indissolubly loving Jesus and making Him loved — was first realized in France from 1945 to 1947, after the end of the Second World War. Thérèse’s reliquary had traveled across France. It went from Paris to the smallest villages. But who would suspect that fifty years later, Thérèse would leave her Carmel again — to tour the world this time?
            “In fact, since 1994, Thérèse’s travels have not ceased and have taken her, while I’m writing, to the twenty-seventh country she has visited — Mauritius Island — before reaching Italy again and then traveling to Malta, Spain, and Benin. Has there been a saint in two thousand years of Christianity who has undertaken such a trip to five continents, attracted millions of people, provoked a spontaneous evangelization, and brought out,  in front of astonished pastors, crowds of people — many of whom usually don’t bother with churches?”

      Since I am so devoted to St. Therese and have read so much about her, I admit that I am selective about books that are written about her. The first third of this book was so enthralling that I couldn’t put it down. Although the stories of St. Therese’s intercession are true, it reads like a novel.

      In the second section, I was also fascinated to learn more about the process of becoming a Doctor of the Church and the praise that famous theologians had for St. Therese’s genius. When St. John Paul II announced at World Youth Day 1997 that St. Therese would be declared a Doctor of the Church, I was in the crowd and did a cartwheel! I can attest to her intercession in my own life, especially in the discernment of my vocation, as well as for family members who experienced healing in the face of death.

      Finally, the third section about her relic tour is also astounding. The Little Flower became an immediate sensation and helped to bring thousands of people closer to the Lord. I was blessed to venerate her relics in Lisieux and also in Albany, New York when they were on tour and experienced tremendous light and encouragement. In my home chapel, I am also to have a small first class relic of her, which I often hold during interviews about this book.

      Although I could write much more, I recommend that you read the book for yourself and see why a young woman who only lived to be twenty-four and spent nine years in a cloistered convent became “the greatest saint of modern times” (Pope St. Pius X) and “the greatest miracle worker of modern times” (Pope ). She is also co-patroness of the missions and co-patroness of France. May St. Therese send you a shower of roses!


Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of I Would Like to Travel the World, and/or to schedule an interview.