For the first time in 18 years, the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the most popular saints of modern times, are visiting Australia on a four-month pilgrimage with her parents, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. As part of the visit, the relics will be made available for public veneration at the ACU Strathfield Campus on Friday 13 March from 8am-12.30pm.
The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux last came to Australia in 2002 where they were met with an outpouring of veneration among the faithful in Sydney.
Widely loved around the world for her simplicity of life, St Thérèse teaches us that God is everywhere—in every situation and person—and in the ordinary, simple details of life. She shows us that we can love God in simple acts of kindness and love for others.
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St Thérèse was born in 1873 and felt an early call to religious life. She entered the Carmelite order at age 15 after experiencing what she called her “complete conversion”.
Her simple way of living, spiritual writings and commitment to small acts of charity and love made her an immensely popular figure, and her canonisation in St Peter’s Basilica in 1925, just 28 years after her death, was attended by over 60,000 people. Her parents, Louis and Zélie, became the first spouses to be canonised as a couple in 2015.
ACU’s Vice President, Fr Anthony Casamento said that it is an honour for ACU to host the relics of such an important saint in the modern Church, and one whose life is an inspiration for all students and staff at the university. “In the ordinariness of life” he commented, “St Therese sets an example for all members of the ACU community.”
The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents will be available for prayer and veneration in the Barron Memorial Chapel at the ACU Strathfield Campus for the visit.
With thanks to ACU.
