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Secondary sourceBook1914

The Unfolding of the Little Flower

Father William M. Cunningham · 1914

A 1914 biography by Father William M. Cunningham studying the life and spiritual development of Thérèse of Lisieux.

An early biography presenting and interpreting Thérèse's life and spiritual journey for readers after her death.

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The Unfolding of the Little FlowerPDF · 134 pages
William M. Cunningham, The Unfolding of the Little Flower, 1914.

About this source

What it is

This is a book, a biography written by Father William M. Cunningham in 1914, examining the life and spiritual development of Thérèse of Lisieux, referred to here by her religious name, Sister Theresa of the Child Jesus.

Why it matters

Written shortly after her death, this biography reflects how Thérèse was being presented to readers as a model of faith during a time, as the author notes, of general scepticism about the supernatural. It shows how clergy like Cunningham shaped her public image in the years leading toward her eventual sainthood.

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  • What does the author's preface, with its concern about

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Front cover of a French book titled 'Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant-Jésus' in ornate Art Nouveau style with floral borders, a star at top, an oval illustration of saints and an angel, a quotation, and Latin motto banners at the bottom.Book

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Act of Oblation to Merciful Love

Thérèse of Lisieux · 9 June 1895

Black and white photograph of a young woman in a dark religious veil and white collar, with a calm, slight smile, looking toward the camera. Her face fills most of the frame.Photograph

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Portrait of Thérèse of Lisieux

15 April 1895

Black and white photograph of a young woman in a pale armored-style bodice and dark fleur-de-lis-decorated skirt, holding a sword, standing beside a banner pole in front of a brick wall and ivy, with a shield bearing fleurs-de-lis and a wreath at her feet.Photograph

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Photograph of Thérèse as Joan of Arc

Céline Martin (Sister Geneviève) · 1895

Photograph of a book cover with a marbled brown and tan speckled paper binding and a beige cloth spine, with blue flecks. A small library credit in the lower right reads Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France. The cover appears worn at the edges.Book

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Histoire d'une âme, first edition (1898)

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