C'est la confiance ("It is confidence") is the seventh apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis. It was published on 15 October 2023, feast of Saint Teresa of Ávila, and dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of her birth.[1]

C'est la confiance
French for 'It is confidence'
Apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis
Coat of arms of Pope Francis
Signature date 15 ottobre 2023
SubjectSaint Thérèse of Lisieux
Number7 of 7 of the pontificate
Text

It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love.

— Letter of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux to Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart

Content

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Prologue

1. Jesus for others

  • A missionary soul
  • The grace that sets us free from self-absorption

2. The little way of trust and love

  • Apart from all merit
  • Daily abandonment
  • Fire burning in the night
  • A most firm hope

3. I will be love

  • Charity as a personal attitude of love
  • The greatest love in supreme simplicity
  • In the heart of the Church
  • A shower of roses

4. At the heart of the Gospel

  • The Doctor of synthesis[2]

Prayer concluding the text

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The Pontiff concludes his exhortation with the following prayer:[3]

Dear Saint Therese,

the Church needs to radiate the brightness,
the fragrance and the joy of the Gospel.
Send us your roses!
Help us to be, like yourself,
ever confident in God's immense love for us,
so that we may imitate each day
your "little way" of holiness.

Amen.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Masotti, Adriana (15 October 2023). "Pope: Therese of Lisieux teaches us love and trust in God's mercy". Vatican News.
  2. ^ Pope Francis (20 October 2023). "C'est la Confiance". L'Osservatore Romano.
  3. ^ Pope Francis (15 October 2023). "Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation on St. Thèrèse of Lisieux: FULL TEXT". EWTN.
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