About Us

In October of 1990, in response to the need for more preparatory schools in Malabon City, spouses Benedicto P. Prim and Esperanza Naval-Prim transformed a two-storey building into what is now known as St. Therese of the Child Jesus Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Prim spent considerable time planning and mapping out details for their dream school: a safe environment for young learners where they can explore a variety of educational materials, go through learning experiences suited to their level, and effectively learn and be thoroughly prepared for their formal schooling.

The Patroness

St. Therese of the Child Jesus was born in Alencon, France on January 2, 1873 to Louis Martin, a wealthy lace manufacturer, and Zelle Guerin, both of whom, in their youth had dreamt of entering the religious state

In 1877, Madame Martin died, and shortly after, the family retired to Lisieux. It is said that during a severe illness, Therese fervently prayed to the Blessed Mother whose statue stood near her. The statue came to life and smiled down upon her. In that moment, her health was restored. At fourteen years of age, she wished to dedicate herself to God by entering the severest Order of the Church, the Carmelite Order. She met fierce opposition from her uncle and the Prioress who wanted her to wait until she was of age. Eventually, however, permission was obtained, and in 1888 she entered the Carmelite Convent.

During her short religious life, she suffered much in body and soul. Her father, to whom she was very devoted, was stricken with paralysis, became blind and died. Her superiors treated her with harshness in order to exercise her in virtue, but in the midst of trials and bitterness, she remained sweet and peaceful. Her ever-increasing love of God led her, one day, on the Feast of the Holy Trinity, to offer herself as a “victim of the Holocaust to God’s merciful love.” Heaven answered her prayers some days later while she was making the Station of the Cross. She felt her heart pierced by a dart of fire so glowing that she thought she should die. She then perceived her mission regarding souls and some weeks before her death announced, “I shall spend my Heaven in doing good upon earth.”

After receiving the last sacrament with admirable piety, at seven o’clock in the evening of September 21, 1897, in the midst of terrible agony, she suddenly smiled and yielded forth her soul to God. She was only twenty-four.

She was beatified in 1923 and canonized on May 17, 1925. In 1997, St. Therese was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope John II.