The Little Flower Comes to San Antonio
(Medium Form)
At the end of October, the Little Flower returns to San Antonio. From October 31 through November 4, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower will welcome the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose faith and “Little Way” continue to touch millions. It has been over two decades since her relics last visited in 1999, when 75,000 pilgrims filled the Basilica day and night.
St. Thérèse, known as the “Little Flower of Jesus,” lived a short but impactful life. Entering the Carmelite convent at 15 and dying at 24, she revealed a spirituality rooted not in grand gestures but in small, loving acts done with trust in God. Her words still resonate: “What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.”
Her Little Way transcends denominations and generations. It calls each of us—Catholic or not—to live with compassion, patience, and intentional love. In a world filled with division and noise, Thérèse’s life reminds us that holiness can bloom in the ordinary: in a flower, a smile, a kind word, or a moment of patience with a stranger.
When her relics arrive, the Basilica becomes more than a place of devotion—it becomes a sanctuary of renewal. Pilgrims will come seeking healing, families will bring children to learn her story, and many who have drifted from faith may find themselves drawn back by her quiet example.
The last visit left a lasting imprint on our city, uniting people across backgrounds in hope and prayer. This October, we are invited again to pause, reflect, and rediscover the power of simplicity and love.
San Antonio has the privilege of welcoming the Little Flower once more. Let us open our hearts as we open the Basilica’s doors, ready to be reminded that even the smallest acts of love can change the world.
About Little Flower Basilica
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, founded by the Discalced Carmelite Friars, is the first national shrine in the United States dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Built during the Great Depression, it stands today as a monument to faith, beauty, and devotion, serving the San Antonio community and welcoming visitors from around the world.