Devotion of Saint Teresa: the small way of evangelical childhood

A "Way of Faith" in the Light of the "Way of the Gospel Childhood"
It can be summarized briefly in the exercise of three virtues, like this: simplicity (faith), trust (hope), faithfulness (charity).

1. Announcement of the Angel to Mary:

believe in God's love for man and his divine faithfulness;

believe in the presence and action of God in the history of individuals, of society and of the Church.

2. Mary's visit to Elizabeth:

we learn and practice Mary's docility to the good inspirations (motions) of the Holy Spirit;

let us imitate Mary in the courageous initiative and in the humble and joyful service of the brothers and sisters.

3. The expectation of Jesus:

we await help from God in our difficulties and misunderstandings;

have unshakeable trust in God.

4. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem:

we imitate the simplicity, humility, poverty of Jesus;

we learn that a simple act of love is more of advantage to the Church than the whole apostolate of the world.

5. The circumcision of Jesus:

we remain faithful to God's plan always, even when it costs;

we never refuse the sacrifice linked to the fulfillment of the duty and the acceptance of life's events.

6. Adoration of the Magi:

we always seek God in life, living in his presence and directing our culture to him, let us adore him and offer him what is best in us and what we can and are;

we offer: gold, frankincense, myrrh: charity, prayer, sacrifice.

7. Presentation in the temple:

we consciously live our baptismal, priestly or religious consecration;

let's offer ourselves to Mary, always.

8. Flight into Egypt:

we live life according to the Spirit, with a detached heart, free from the worries of the world;

let's trust in God who always writes straight even on the crooked lines of men;

remember that original sin exists with its consequences: we are vigilant!

9. Stay in Egypt:

we firmly believe that God is close to those who have wounded hearts, and we understand, critically, for those who have no home, have no work, for refugees and immigrants;

we remain peaceful and serene even in the permissive will of God.

10. Return from Egypt:

"Everything passes", God does not abandon us;

we learn from Joseph the virtue of prudence;

let's help each other, God will help us.

11. Jesus found in the temple:

we also take care of the interests of the Father, in the family and in the Church;

we have respect and understanding for adolescents and children, often the "voice" of the Father.

12. Jesus in Nazareth:

we try to grow in wisdom and grace until we reach human and Christian maturity;

we discover the preciousness of work, effort, small things and the "everyday";

"Everything is nothing, except love, which is eternal" (Teresa of the Child Jesus).