“My way is all confidence and love.”
On the occasion of her 100th anniversary of canonization, the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux began touring America for veneration on Oct. 1, arriving at Theological College the morning of November 19. Seminarians, faculty, and staff embraced this rare opportunity to host the revered relics, reminded of the Little Flower’s holy example—a great inspiration to seminarians in formation, and to all.
After the welcome ceremony in the TC foyer, the reliquary processed to the chapel, placed facing the altar and surrounded by red and white roses. The relics were privately venerated by the TC community until the chapel was opened to the public from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm so that several hundred of the faithful could be afforded this special moment of prayer with St. Thérèse. This was followed by Solemn Evening Prayer, and more time for private veneration for the house.
After Solemn Morning Prayer the following morning, the reliquary departed in procession to the East Façade of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where it remained open for veneration in the Upper Church until Nov. 22.
The Shrine schedule, which the TC community was also invited to participate in, included three Masses at 12:10 pm: on Nov. 20 with Cardinal Wilton Gregory; on Nov. 21 with Cardinal Sean O’Malley; and on Nov. 22 with Cardinal Christophe Pierre. The next stop for the relics was the Carmel of Port Tobacco in La Plata, Md.
