Relics of St. Thérèse to Visit England and Wales

The relics of a much-loved saint are to visit England and Wales for the first time from 16 September to 7 October 2009. Over the last 15 years the casket containing the earthly remains of St. Thérèse of Lisieux has visited 40 countries in all five continents, and is a frequent presence at significant events in Rome and elsewhere.

St. Thérèse was born in Alençon, Normandy in 1873 and at an early age entered the Carmelite convent of Lisieux. She became assistant novice-mistress in 1893 and took special responsibility for the junior sisters. She died of tuberculosis on 30 September 1897. Canonisation (the declaration that she is a saint) followed in 1925; she is most famed for the spirituality that she lived by, which is called the ‘Little Way’. St. Thérèse is ‘Patroness of the Missions’ of the Catholic Church and a “Doctor of the Church”.

Immediately after her burial, miracles of healing began to take place at St. Thérèse’s tomb, fulfilling her prophecy that she would “let fall a shower of roses on the earth” after her death. In her notebooks she wrote: “I would like to be a missionary, not just for a few years, but till the end of time.” Wherever her relics have gone, millions of people have prayed beside them and experienced many graces of healing, conversion and vocation.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor said: “ I am delighted that the relics of St. Thérèse are to visit England and Wales next year. I have always been deeply moved by St. Thérèse’ “Little Way”. It is in fidelity to the small things of everyday life, animated by the love of Christ, that we achieve true holiness. I am sure that the intercession of St. Thérèse will be of great spiritual benefit to the people of our country.”

The visit was requested by the Cardinal, on behalf of the bishops of England and Wales, and its purpose is to show in a concrete way that God is alive and visits his people. All will be welcome to venerate St. Thérèse’s relics; however, there will be a special invitation to the sick, young people and those seeking their way in life, from any faith or none.

Preceding the visit will be a nationwide programme of catechesis (teaching) among Catholics on the life and spirituality of the Saint, focussing especially on prayer, the call to holiness, family life, vocation and evangelisation. The programme has yet to be finalised, but it is likely to include visits to several large venues around the country, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to come. It will be financed entirely by donations.

The initiative is under the direction of Bishop Arthur Roche of Leeds and Bishop Malcolm McMahon of Nottingham, and is being organised by a group set up by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, including some Carmelites.

Bishop Arthur Roche said: “St. Thérèse is a much-loved saint all over the world, but nowhere more than in Britain. There will be widespread joy among Catholics that her relics are to visit our country, along with an expectation of many graces to be received. But this visit is for all Christians; and indeed people of any faith or none will be most welcome to come in pilgrimage to pray at Thérèse’s side. I pray that this Visit will help many people to find their way to God, and help our society to find the way to true peace through justice and compassion for all.”

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Notes

What was St. Thérèse’s ‘Little Way’?

In St. Thérèse’s time, holiness was commonly seen as something reserved for special people capable of extraordinary efforts. St. Thérèse came to realise that what counts is to let ourselves be found by God and to respond by simple obedience to the duties of everyday life without complaining or criticising. She emphasised a childlike dependence on God’s goodness, a realisation that everything comes from him, and a joyful acceptance of our own littleness.

What is a relic?

A relic is either part of the physical remains of a saint after his or her death, or an object which has been in contact with his or her body.

Why do Catholics venerate relics?

Catholics do not worship the relics of saints, but by venerating them (showing respect and reverence) they give glory to God who made this person holy; are reminded of the way God uses physical things to communicate the invisible; and experience the friendship of the saints in a tangible way.

What is a Doctor of the Church?

There are currently 33 Doctors of the Church, of whom only three are women, all canonised saints whose message is seen by the Church as having a special and universal importance.