Our Mission

The Little Flower Institute of Catholic Thought at Minnesota State University, Mankato is a center of learning and formation in the tradition of Catholic Higher Education. The purpose of the Institute is to help form students as well as faculty and staff to grow in knowledge and understanding of the theological and religious principles found in the Catholic Church.

To fulfill our mission, the Institute will offer the following:

1.       Semester Courses

• Grounding each student in a college-level understanding of Catholic Theology.  This systematic program will have a 12 week course of studies every semester.

 
2.      Short Courses

• These will be offered periodically throughout the year to engage students in various topics.

 
3.      Theology on Tap

• Monthly opportunities to enhance the faith through a Catholic Speakers Series on topics relevant to college students.

Our Patron Saint of the Institute

The Patron of our Institute is St. Therese of Lisieux (also known as Therese of the Little Flower, and Therese of the Child Jesus). 
St. Therese loved nature, and often used the imagery of nature to explain how the Divine Presence is everywhere, and how everything is connected in God's loving care and arms. Therese saw herself as "the Little Flower of Jesus" because she was just like the simple wild flowers in forests and fields, unnoticed by the greater population, yet growing and giving glory to God. Therese did not see herself as a brilliant rose or an elegant lily, by simply as a small wild flower. This is how she understood herself before the Lord - simple and hidden, but blooming where God had planted her.



Following the Carmelite tradition, St. Therese saw the world as God's garden, and each person being a different kind of flower, enhancing the variety and beauty which Jesus delighted in. When various people tried to explain her powerful inspiration and her place within the Church, it always seemed to come back to one title "The Little Flower".
St. Therese died at the age of 24 on September 30, 1897.  She was canonized on May 17, 1925.  She was declared a Doctor of the Church on October 19, 1997 by Pope John Paul II.  She is the youngest Doctor of the Church.

"O Jesus, my Love, at last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love! Yes, I have found my place in the bosom of the Church, and this place, O my God; Thou hast Thyself given to me: in the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be Love!  Thus I shall be all things: thus will my dream be realized."