Also known as St. Therese of Lisieux was a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun regarded as one of the greatest saints of modern times and revered for the simplicity and practicality of her approach to spiritual life.
Born as Marie Francoise-Therese Martin on January 2, 1873, she entered religious life at an early age of 15. She died of tuberculosis at the age of 24 on September 30, 1897.
She was canonized to sainthood by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925 with a feast day scheduled every 1st of October. She is the patron saint of aviators, florists, missions and illnesses.
The relics of St. Therese which also includes her religious habit, rosary and other items has been on an international pilgrimage since 1994. Here in the Philippines, the relic first arrived in 2000. The relic visited again in 2008 and then in 2012.
Here are some of the churches here in the Philippines named after St.Therese:
- Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Antipolo
- Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Newport City
- St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Lipa
- St. Therese Church, Cebu
- Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Los Banos
- Carmel of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Gilmore
In the Archdiocese of Manila, the relic visited the following places:
- Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish (Feb 18)
- San Fernando De Dilao Parish (Feb 18)
- Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Feb 18-19)
- San Lazaro Hospital (Feb 19)
- National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels (Feb 19-20)
- Santa Teresita Parish (Feb 20-21)
- Lay Formation Center (Feb 21)
- Santo Nino De Paz Chapel (Feb 21-22)
As of writing this post, the relic is now visiting the towns of Gumaca, Quezon.
I was able to see the relic during its scheduled visit last February 18 at San Fernando De Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila. Here are some of the photos I've taken during the event:
"I will spend my heaven doing good on earth." - St. Therese of the Child Jesus
