(From left) Sr Monica, Sr Bernadette and Archbishop Christopher Prowse in Canberra with the relics of St Therese and her parents Sts Louis and Zelie Martin. PHOTO: Catholic Voice.
The nation-wide pilgrimage of the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents, Sts Louis and Zélie Martin, has been temporarily suspended and the relics have instead been hosted in Carmelite monasteries in Canberra and Melbourne.
The relics had been drawing large crowds in churches, but the restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic meant the tour had to cease.
“Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our supporters and the faithful who intend to take part in the pilgrimage,’ said Fr Brian Lucas, National Director of Catholic Mission. “With that in mind and following the advice of the federal government and health officials, we have jointly made this difficult decision.”
But, the Catholic Voice reports that while the tour of St Therese and her parents may have been suspended, the popular saint spent precious time with those who know and love her most, the Carmelite nuns in Canberra.
The four sisters were delighted to care for the relics of the “Little Flower” and her parents, Saints Louis and Zelie, at their convent in Red Hill.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse visited the relics before Easter, describing it as a mini-pilgrimage on behalf of his Archdiocesan family adapting to a pandemic-dictated life.
The French girl born in 1873 who beseeched the Pope to allow her to enter the convent at age 15 and died less than 10 years later is hugely popular because of her “Little Way” of living humbly in service and love.
Parents Louis, a watchmaker, and Zelie, a lace maker, were the first married couple to be canonised, in October 2015.
“This is a pilgrimage moment where I come on behalf of the Archdiocese so people can place before Jesus and the relics of these three Saints all that concerns them in this terrible time of pandemic,” Archbishop Prowse said.
The Carmelite nuns were unsure whether the relics would make it to Canberra at all.
“It was up in the air at one stage so we feel extremely privileged she could visit us at this very difficult time,”Sr Monica said.
“For many of us she has always been a very special part of our vocation. My vocation was due to her intercession on my behalf.”
Sr Bernadette said the community felt that St Therese was “coming home to her Carmelite family in Canberra”.
“She has so many graces to share with all the families in the Archdiocese who are struggling with all sorts of fears and worries and concerns,” Sr Bernadette said.
“Her presence among us is to give us more courage and hope that the Lord and she and her parents are looking after us.”
This article includes material from an article first published in The Catholic Voice. Read the full Catholic Voice story here.