THERESE MARTIN
Thérèse Martin is the pampered youngest daughter of a 19th Century French middle-class family. Traumatized by the death of her mother at an early age, she becomes an introverted child, unable to deal with life outside the confines of her immediate family. However, at the age of 14 she undergoes a miraculous and mysterious Christmas conversion which transforms her - she discovers again the joy she lost at her mother's death, and she is driven by an overpowering love for souls that leads her into the life of a Carmelite nun. Her life in the monastery is one of challenges, humor and, finally, terrible physical suffering, but there she uncovers a secret that fills her life with peace and a secure hope.
Played by LINDSAY YOUNCE
A national talent search auditioned hundreds of actresses for this challenging role, but director Leonardo Defilippis was looking for something hard to find - a fresh, honest quality that would capture the innocence and purity of Thérèse. When Lindsay Younce, began to speak, he knew she was special. "It was her vulnerability," he says. "She was listening with an understanding that was very, very deep. Her presence on the screen is powerful."
Lindsay approached Thérèse with much prayer. "What an opportunity this role was for me. I felt completely at home in the part, and entered into the life of this amazing girl, who grew up very much protected and coddled, but went on to live her short life with a heroism unseen in modern times."
