Benedict XVI Welcomes Relics of St. Thérèse - Urges Faithful to Love Scripture as She Did

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 14, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his joy at being able to pray before the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, which are in Rome accompanied by pilgrims and the bishop from the saint's home diocese.

At the end of today's general audience, the Pope greeted the faithful from the French Diocese of Bayeux and Lisieux, and Bishop Pierre Auguste Pican, who are in Rome on pilgrimage, with the relics of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.

The Holy Father recalled how "120 years ago, Thérèse of Lisieux came to Rome to ask permission of Pope Leo XIII to enter the Carmelite order, despite her youth. Eighty years ago, Pope Pius XI proclaimed her patron saint of missions, and in 1997, Pope John Paul II declared her a doctor of the Church."

"In this audience," he continued, "I will have the joy of praying before her relics, as will many faithful over the course of this week in various churches in Rome."

The Pontiff used the French Carmelite's example to encourage reading the Bible.

"St. Thérèse would have liked to learn the languages of the Bible in order to better understand sacred Scripture," he said. "Following her example and that of St. Jerome, dedicate time to frequent reading of the Bible. By familiarizing yourselves with the Word of God, you will discover Christ and remain in intimate contact with him."

Relics of St. Therese

Relics of St. Therese of Lisieux present at Pope’s General Audience

Rome, Nov 14, 2007 / 01:41 pm (CNA).- At this week’s General Audience with Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square, thousands of pilgrims were able to venerate the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux.

According to Vatican Radio, the relics were taken to the Vatican as part of a pilgrimage throughout Italy, giving Catholics the chance to venerate the relics of the French saint. The pilgrimage will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of her proclamation as Doctor of the Church on October 19, 1997, the 120th anniversary of her encounter with Pope Leo XIII on November 20, 1887, and the 80th anniversary of her proclamation as patroness of the missions, together with St. Francis Xavier.

The pilgrimage is being led by Bishop Pierre Pican of Bayeux and Lisieux, France and the Rector of the Basilica of Lisieux, Msgr. Bernard Lagoutte.

The relics of St. Therese have been venerated in numerous countries throughout the world in recent years, usually at Carmelite monasteries.

I saw these relics when they came to Montreal. Thousands of people were at the basilica. What I thought was unusual but also pleasant was that there were long lines of people going to confession after viewing the relics.

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