Endorsements
“I am delighted that the relics of St. Thérèse are to visit England and Wales next year. I have always been deeply moved by St. Thérèse’ ‘Little Way’. It is in fidelity to the small things of everyday life, animated by the love of Christ, that we achieve true holiness. I am sure that the intercession of St. Thérèse will be of great spiritual benefit to the people of our country.”
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor
Archbishop of Westminster
“St. Thérèse is a much-loved saint all over the world, but nowhere more than in Britain. There will be widespread joy among Catholics that her relics are to visit our country, along with an expectation of many graces to be received. But this visit is for all Christians; and indeed people of any faith or none will be most welcome to come in pilgrimage to pray at Thérèse’s side. I pray that this Visit will help many people to find their way to God, and help our society to find the way to true peace through justice and compassion for all.”
Bishop Arthur Roche (Leeds)
Patron of the Visit of the Relics
“As ‘Patroness of the Missions’ St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us that it is up to all of us to go and teach the Gospel as Our Lord commanded us to. Her life and writings emphasise that whatever our state in life, even if we’re unable to make big gestures, we can be bearers of God’s love and mercy if we surrender all that we are to Jesus Christ. I encourage the baptised to use this evangelistic opportunity to proclaim in their daily lives the reality of God’s love and mercy. If you are not a Catholic, come and see. A warm welcome awaits you.”
Bishop Malcolm McMahon (Nottingham)
Chair of the Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis
Patron of the Visit of the Relics
"We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for this initiative and since the initial announcement in February, we have had to extend the dates to try to accommodate the sheer number of people and parishes who want to support it. We’ve worked hard to ensure that the visit includes a good geographical spread so that as many people as possible can participate.”
Mgr Keith Barltrop
National Coordinator of the Visit of the Relics
“The visit will generate enthusiasm and good will and should not be seen as an end in itself. Those organising the visit intend to build on the experience and that is to be commended. I hope that many people will visit the relics and invite friends and neighbours to do so. It is also important that we let people of other faiths know that they are welcome. It is for everyone, and not just for Carmelite friars and sisters for whom St. Thérèse has a special place.”
Fr Michael McGoldrick OCD
Provincial Delegate for England, Discalced Carmelite Friars
“The welcome visit of St. Thérèse’s relics brings into our midst the human remains of a woman who yearned to touch the ends of the earth with the knowledge and love of God – and with her own love, too. For us Carmelite sisters, St Thérèse is especially our sister – but she is far more than an inspiration or model. In the reality of the communion of saints she is a very present, loving guide in our daily lives and in the lives of all who turn to her for help.”
President of the Association of the British Carmelite Nuns
“Thérèse is for many Christians a teacher of profound truth and a prophet for our time. In the presence of this visible sign of her in the York Minster we ask God to make her holy influence felt among us all.”
Very Revd. Keith Jones
Dean of York
“The visit of the Relics to England and Wales will be an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of vocations found in the Catholic Church in England and Wales today and will help us to understand, as St. Thérèse herself wrote, ‘Love comprises all vocations’. The little way of St. Thérèse has been an inspiration for people over the years to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. I am sure that many, including priests, single, married and consecrated people, will be involved with and inspired by this event which has as its focus the call to love God and our neighbour.”
Judith Eydmann
Development Coordinator
National Office for Vocation
“The life of Thérèse is an example of the gospels in action, which makes her a great spiritual guide for us in the twenty-first century. Her union with Jesus points the way for us as we travel through life. Her love expressed in ‘The Little Way’ shows us the way to union with Jesus. Like St. Paul, Thérèse experienced personally the power of God in her life. What Thérèse taught was that we are called upon to live God’s love and surrender to it.”
Jane Nicholson OCDS
National President of the Carmelite Secular Order