The Basilica Shrine
The first National Shrine in the United States dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, since 1931 the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower has served people from across the nation and all walks of life as a historical and spiritual landmark. Presenting programs in Spirituality and Arts & Culture, the community of Discalced Carmelite Friars serve all called to explore the beauty of Carmel.
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Designation as a basilica indicates a special bond of communion with the pope. Learn what that means here.
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A shrine is a church or other sacred place where either a relic is preserved or where an apparition or historical event of faith has taken place.
A shrine is typically designated to help foster devotion to a particular saint. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower (a basilica and a shrine) was built to foster devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse.
National shrines are designated as such by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
You can learn about our relics here.
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Currently, Little Flower Basilica opens 30 minutes before services and events and remains open for up to 30 minutes after their conclusion.
Special Feasts and events may have differing hours. See our calendar of events here.
You can see the Basilica outside of normal hours by scheduling a tour.
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