L'enfance spirituelle chez Sainte Thérèse de Lisieux et Saint Josémaría Escrivá de Balaguer

Abstract

"The spiritual childhood in Saint Theresa of Lisieux and Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer". Saint Therese of Lisieux and Saint Josemaría are two important figures of spirituality in the field of spiritual childhood. As a reference figure, the life of Saint Therese is a paradigm for the study of this theme. Her spiritual itinerary made it possible to highlight the main characteristics of spiritual childhood. It is as much an observation of the practical realization of this doctrine in her life and an understanding of its systematisation from studies on the little way. These elements already consolidated in common thought serve as a basis for undertaking the study of spiritual childhood in St. Josemaría. The author himself offers some elements of definition in this field. The question of the influence of St. Therese of Lisieux on St. Josemaría is also one of the main interests of this study. At this level there is an influence which, although real, does not make St. Josemaría an imitator of St. Therese. It is also possible to observe the nuances that spiritual childhood takes on in the lives of two saints who constitute an indisputable point of reference. In the end, we have the opportunity to make available to the reader the riches of spiritual childhood thanks to their contribution. The interior life of Saint Josemaría is a precious source for spiritual theology. His unpublished works have not yet offered the full richness of his spirituality. Keywords: spiritual childhood, influence, spiritual itinerary.