The Basilica Shrine
Administered by the Discalced Carmelite Friars of San Antonio, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower serves as a historical and spiritual landmark near San Antonio’s West Side. Pilgrims from across the nation and all walks of life visit the first National Shrine in the United States dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux to encounter a space that lifts hearts and minds toward God through stunning architecture, art, and liturgy. A place of encounter, the Basilica is home to first class relics of many of the Saints of Carmel. Presenting programs in Spirituality and Arts & Culture, the friars invite you to explore the truth of the Catholic faith through 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, the Basilica is open 30 minutes before Mass and other services and activities. Generally, then, the Basilica is open:
Sundays: 7:30am to 1pm; 5pm to 6:30pm.
Mondays: 11:30am to 1pm
Tuesdays: 11:30am to 1pm; 5:30pm to 7pm.
Wednesdays: 11:30am to 1pm
Thursdays: 11:30am to 1pm
Fridays: 11:30am to 1pm
Saturdays: 10 to 6:30pm
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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