Ringing in Opera for the Basilica’s Bells

Little Flower Basilica in San Antonio was founded by the Discalced Carmelite Friars with a vision rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower.” St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” is centered on simplicity, humility, and love. St. Thérèse spoke profoundly about love, emphasizing its central role in our lives. One of her notable quotes is, "Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else." She also expressed that "Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing." St. Thérèse viewed love as a transformative force, capable of making the impossible possible: "Love can accomplish all things. Things that are most impossible become easy where love is at work".  She believed that through small acts of love, one could grow closer to God. Inspired by her simple yet profound path to God, the friars dreamed of creating a sacred space where people could encounter the divine through prayer, beauty, art, and music.

Recently, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) recognized and highlighted St. Thérèse’s influence not only within the Catholic Church but also on a global, cultural, and spiritual level. UNESCO’s acknowledgment reflects St. Thérèse’s legacy as a world figure of peace, compassion, and hope—a saint whose teachings resonate deeply with humanity’s universal longing for meaning and spiritual growth. Her message continues to draw individuals toward a path of inner transformation and love. 

Completed in 1931, the Basilica became more than just a place of worship—it was designed to lift hearts and minds toward God through stunning architecture, sacred art, and reverberating sacred music. Every detail in the Basilica was intended to reflect the beauty of creation and inspire moments of grace and contemplation – from the intricate ironwork, the detailed mosaics, and the illuminating stained glass windows, to the soaring dome, the priceless art and the beautiful voices of the choir. Today, the Basilica continues to fulfill that original vision, offering a space where faith and the arts unite, inviting all who enter to draw closer to God.

On November 15, 2024, OPERA San Antonio, the Classical Music Institute, and Little Flower Basilica will collaborate to create a profound, multi-sensory experience that stirs the soul and draws people into the beauty of art, music, and sacred space. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to engage diverse audiences, bridging classical music lovers, opera enthusiasts, and people seeking spiritual nourishment. It encourages both seasoned listeners and new audiences to appreciate art in the inviting setting of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower - an immersion in beauty. 

In the heart of St. Thérèse’s Little Flower Basilica, soaring arias and timeless symphonies will resonate through vaulted ceilings, transforming music and voices into prayer. As beauty meets faith, listeners are drawn into a deeper encounter with the divine, where every note becomes a call to reflection, renewal, and wonder. This union of art, music, and sacred tradition offers more than a performance—it is an invitation to be moved, inspired, and transformed. It cultivates a dialogue between the soul and the divine. 

Blessing the Bells prior to their installation, September 13, 1931.

The collaboration between music, voice, architecture, and faith will nurture connection—not just between performers and audience, but also among all participants, creating a shared moment of awe and reverence, and transcending boundaries of belief.

Approaching Little Flower Basilica, even before stepping foot on its grounds, one encounters a first glimpse of beauty: the soaring 118-foot ornate southern bell tower. This tower houses six beautifully sounding bronze bells that weigh a combined 5,000 pounds. Cast in Germany and installed in September 1931, each bell is named after important figures to the Discalced Carmelite Order who serve the Little Flower Basilica community: Christ the King, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Joseph, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux (The Little Flower). 

St. John of the Cross bell, as it appears today.

Like the soaring arias and timeless symphonies, the Little Flower Basilica bells summon us to pause and connect with God and each other in community. They draw people’s minds and hearts away from daily distractions and toward moments of prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving. The bells mark significant communal moments, joyous celebrations, times of mourning, or calls for protection – helping bind people together. Their deep tones evoke peace, nostalgia, and transcendence, stirring emotions and memories tied to faith, community, and tradition. For many, the bells are a familiar comfort, marking life's milestones—baptisms, weddings, and funerals. They are indeed an invitation to the sacred, and call us to St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love.

Unfortunately, deferred maintenance, wear from exposure to the elements, and simply old age have rendered the nearly 100-year-old bells and the mechanical components of the bell system in dire need of renewal. In fact, all six of the antique bells have not been in use for years. Local residents, parishioners, and visitors from across the world miss their resounding chime that brings peace and serenity. The proceeds from the special and unique performance on November 15 will restore the bells to their original grandeur.

Fr. Gregory Ross, OCD, emphasizes the importance of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower as a spiritual nexus deeply rooted in the legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Serving as pastor and rector, Fr. Ross fosters a community where prayer, beauty, and service intersect, reflecting St. Thérèse's message of simplicity and love. Under his leadership, the Basilica continues to inspire visitors by embodying the Carmelite spirit through its sacred architecture, engaging liturgy, and profound cultural programs. This aligns with the vision of the friars, who seek to bring people closer to God through both contemplative practice, active ministry and the beauty found in the arts.

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