Therese speaks about how souls might reach a high degree of sanctity through God’s actions alone, but He also wishes to use others to help cultivate souls, as good gardeners. She recounts the story of a young linnet she rescued from its nest, and living next to the family’s canary. Though its voice was not a natural match for the canary’s singing example, it eventually began to sing just like its master.

Therese and her father go to Bayeux to see the Bishop regarding her vocation. She is apprehensive because this is the first trip she’s taken without any sisters accompanying her. She is strengthened in her resolve by recalling a phrase from the Imitation that “nothing is impossible to love, since it is convinced ‘it may and can do all things’ (Imit., III, V, 4).”

Beyond the hope that her father would speak, he instead directed Therese to tell the Bishop her desire to enter the monastery, which she -- at fifteen years old -- did, “as eloquently as I could.” The Bishop asked how long she had had this desire, and she replied that, “I have wanted to give myself to God since I was three.” When counseled by the Bishop that she should remain with her father for awhile longer, he – unexpected by by Bishop – said he supported her daughter’s desire, mentioning their planned pilgrimage to Rome and intention to speak to the Pope, if permission were not granted before then.

The Bishop said he would be visiting the monastery’s Superior and would discuss her case with him. The Vicar General, who had escorted Therese and her father to see the Bishop, remarked on their departing that, “such a thing had never been seen before – a father just as anxious to give his child to God as that child was to offer herself.” For Therese, her future seemed shattered, “I seemed to be held up by more and more difficulties as I came close to my goal; yet in the depths of my soul I never ceased to have the profoundest peace because I sought the will of God alone.”