The man, the woman

Father Terme and Mother Thérèse, before being founders, were Christians like any others: a man and a woman seeking to follow in God’s footsteps, but with their own character, with a way of living their faith that belonged to them and reflected to some extent that of their time, but which they did not necessarily pass on to the Congregation. What their contemporaries remember of them, but also their clothes, their reading and their prayers, reveal their individuality.

Their character

Despite their apparent reserve, Father Terme and Mother Thérèse shared a strong character. Demanding of themselves, they struggled throughout their lives to soften their sometimes harsh natures.

Their clothing of service

Out of piety and attachment, some of the founders’ clothes have been preserved. What do they tell us today about the man and the woman who wore them?

Their commitment

Seized at a young age by the love of God, Father Terme and Mother Thérèse chose to respond to the call by committing themselves to the consecrated life: the former as a diocesan priest, the latter as a religious.

Their signatures

Their signatures appear throughout their correspondence and founding documents. What do they reveal about them?

Their readings

Their signatures appear throughout their correspondence and founding documents. What do they reveal about them?

Their attachment to the prayer of the Church

Participation in the prayer of the Church, throughout the liturgical year and at different times of the day, was part of the daily life of Father Terme and Mother Thérèse. This did not prevent them from developing an intense life of spontaneous personal prayer.

Bothering the saints

Mother Thérèse had an intense and familiar relationship with Heaven: she did not hesitate to relentlessly seek the intercession of the saints, whom she considered “more pleasing to God than we are.”