On January 21, 1894, Saint Thérèse starred in a little musical play she wrote for the feast day of Mother Agnes of Jesus—her older sister, Pauline.

“Joan of Arc Accomplishing Her Mission” is perhaps her best-known pious recreation, thanks to the photos of the heroine in costume taken by Thérèse’s sister, Céline.

This dramatic presentation in three parts features 14 songs, including vocal solos for Thérèse, who played the leading role of Joan. There were 15 different speaking characters in the play, so the entire community played a part in the production. Even other members of the Martin family were involved; for example, Céline played the part of Saint Catherine.

The final musical number says, “I hear the universe proclaim the virtues of this humble, pious child…” As if in a double entendre, we also hear the Church proclaim the virtues of Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who brought Saint Joan of Arc to life in the Carmelite monastery of Lisieux.

Image credit: Discalced Carmelites (by permission)