Was St Therese of Lisieux a martyr?

Answer 1

Legend says that Rose of Lima, even as a child, began to fast three times a week and perform heavy penances in secret. In her twentieth year, she took a vow of perpetual virginity and began to wear a heavy crown made of silver, with small spikes on the inside, in emulation of the Crown of Thorns.

Her acts of unjustified penance and virtual self-martyrdom were probably signs of mental illness and the relevant actions recommended today would probably be to seek medical assistance for her condition. She died on 24th August, 1617, at only 31 years of age, no doubt as a result of the abuse her body had suffered. This was a terrible loss of a young life that could have been devoted to helping others. Had she lived today, she would have trained as a nurse, doctor, scientist, or perhaps become a teaching nun. A girl of promise, she seems to have achieved little in her short life other than publicity for the Church, so her actions would not be considered martyrdom today, except by the most pious.

Answer 2

A martyr is anyone who chooses to suffer, even to die, rather than renounce his or her faith or Christian principles. As every single one of us is called to this, we are all called to be martyrs, as Our Blessed Lord calls each one of us to "take up your cross daily and follow me": (from St. Luke's Gospel)

23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."

In the Church, however, martyr usually means a very specific thing: someone who actually dies for the faith, this is known as "red" martyrdom. Saint Therese of Lisieux was what is known as a "white" martyr, meaning that she gave up her life for the faith, but she was not killed for it (the meaning of red martyrdom).

Answer 3

No, St. Therese of Lisieux was not a martyr. She is known for her spiritual writings and her "Little Way" of spiritual growth, but she did not die as a result of persecution for her faith.

Answer 4

No, St. Rose of Lima died of natural causes brought on partly by the severe penances and deprivations she undertook.

Answer 5

No, she died of natural causes.