URGENT UPDATE: The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux have arrived in San Antonio and will be on display at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower from October 31 to November 4. This is the first time these sacred relics have visited the city since 1999, and the event is expected to attract nearly 100,000 visitors over five days, significantly surpassing the 75,000 who attended the last visit.
The visit kicks off with a welcome ceremony at 5:45 PM on October 31, followed immediately by Mass led by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller at 6 PM. Public veneration will be available from 7 PM to 10 PM. The basilica will remain open for veneration from 6 AM to 11 PM on November 1-3, and until 8 AM on November 4.
Father Gregory Ross, a priest at the basilica, stated, “With increased publicity through social media and the growth of San Antonio, we expect a much larger crowd this year.” To ensure a safe and reverent atmosphere, the basilica is coordinating with the City of San Antonio and a private security firm.
This visit is particularly significant as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower is the first national shrine dedicated to St. Thérèse in the United States. “It’s like she’s coming home to us for a few days,” Father Ross noted, emphasizing the deep devotion many have for the saint known as “The Little Flower.”
The relics of St. Thérèse have been on a global pilgrimage since 1997, marking the centennial of her death. Following their time in San Antonio, the relics will visit cities such as Lafayette, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C., continuing their journey to honor St. Thérèse’s legacy.
In addition to St. Thérèse’s relics, visitors will also have the chance to venerate the relics of her parents, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, housed in a small museum space within the basilica.
Parking will be limited near the basilica, so attendees are encouraged to use the Wonderland of the Americas Mall, where a $2.50 round-trip shuttle will operate throughout the event. Accessible parking will be available at the basilica for those who need it.
As the relics’ visit coincides with the 100th anniversary of St. Thérèse’s canonization and the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis, this event is not just a religious observance but a powerful moment of hope and connection for many.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to connect with a beloved figure in Catholicism and experience the spiritual significance of her relics. Make plans to attend and share this vital news with your community!
