Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux

A time of grace for England and Wales

At the request of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and the bishops of England and Wales, the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux visited our country in autumn 2009 (16 September - 16 October).

Many people had prayed and asked for this to happen and their prayers were answered in what proved to be a time of grace for our Church and our country.

The relics have visited over 40 countries including Brazil, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Lebanon and Iraq. Wherever they have gone, many people have experienced conversion, healing, a renewed sense of vocation, and answers to their prayers.

To find out who St. Thérèse was and why she is of such importance, click here.

Getting around the Relics of St. Thérèse site
Use the links below to navigate:

Who was St. Thérèse?	What are relics?	Why England and Wales now?
Who is the visit for?	Locations and dates	Testimonies
News	Video	Audio
Questions	Resources	Endorsements
Contact or send a prayer	Media information	Little Way Week

What actually happens?

Pope Benedict and relics of St Thérèse

The relics are contained in a large, sealed casket, which was taken round over 20 churches in England and Wales. They remained at each venue for between one and three days. To look back on the dates and venues, click here.

In each venue the casket was placed on display in a prominent place.

Mass and other services were celebrated each day, but most of the time was left free for people to come and venerate the relics and to pray for whatever was in their hearts.

Veneration was left entirely up to the pilgrim. Some people kissed the casket, or placed their hands reverently upon it, while others just prayed quietly for a few moments.

Many priests were on hand to hear your Confessions or to offer spiritual advice.

For information on what a relic actually is and why Catholics venerate them, click here.

“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.”

Bishop Arthur Roche (Leeds)
Patron of the Visit of the Relics

Pastoral Letter

Bishop Arthur Roche's Pastoral Letter ahead of the visit of St Thérèse to Leeds (pdf)

Click for further endorsements of the visit of the Relics of St. Thérèse

“As ‘Patroness of the Missions’ St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us that it is up to all of us to go and teach the Gospel as Our Lord commanded us to. Her life and writings emphasise that whatever our state in life, even if we’re unable to make big gestures, we can be bearers of God’s love and mercy if we surrender all that we are to Jesus Christ. I encourage the baptised to use this evangelistic opportunity to proclaim in their daily lives the reality of God’s love and mercy. If you are not a Catholic, come and see. A warm welcome awaits you.”

Bishop Malcolm McMahon (Nottingham)
Patron of the Visit of the Relics