First-Class Relic Veneration

“The Little Flower,” St.  Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, is one of the Church’s most beloved saints. She has inspired millions around the world with her teachings of the “little way” and her simple yet profound trust in God.

Relics of "The Little Flower" drew enormous public interest Dec. 2-6 in 1999, when the relics of the saint came to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, at the end of a five-year tour through 80 cities. The relics arrived at the Basilica from the Chancery in an 1850s vintage horse-drawn hearse, the driver and attendant in formal attire.  

During the relics’ visit, an estimated 70,000 individuals passed through the Basilica, thousands waiting in line for hours to see and touch the reliquary. The Discalced Carmelite friars, six or eight at a time, spent hours hearing confessions.

A best kept secret in San Antonio

First-class relics are contained within a ring on the left hand of the statue of Thérèse in the tomb chapel of the Basilica of the Little Flower. Plan your visit to the Shrine to spend time in prayer with St. Thérèse!