Did you know St. Therese of Lisieux had artistic talent? It was a gift in her family, as is seen with her sister Celine in our Fun Fact #220 "The Prize Painting". And, like Celine, Therese was a fervent devotee of the Holy Face, including it in what was probably one of her finest works of art.

It was not unusual for the nuns of her convent to sew various necessities for priests. Given her talent, it was natural that Therese was assigned to decorate a chasuble - the outermost vestment worn by a priest during Mass.

The main feature on this chasuble was an image of the Holy Face, framed by a large cross filling the fabric. Inside this Cross, the Holy Face was surrounded by beautiful flowers: two white roses and nine lilies. Even more lovely than their artistic quality was the deeper meaning behind these flowers. They represented her family.

The two, fully blossomed roses at the base of the cross stood for her parents. The nine lilies represented herself and her eight siblings. Only five of the lilies were fully bloomed. In the top portion of the cross were the four closed buds. This is because four of her siblings were waiting in Heaven. They died very young, most as infants, none of them reaching the age of six. Her brothers were among these early deaths.

This beautiful chasuble is a lasting testimony of the love and dedication this dear nun had toward her Savior and her family - even those she never got to know in this life.

It can still be seen today in Lisieux.