For some time now, I had heard about a tour of the relics of Saint Therese circulating in the United States. The relics have been received by crowds of pilgrims wherever they have travelled. They are the occasions of many graces.
I had always had a devotion to Saint Therese. She has proven to be a marvelous intercessor. Usually, she provides help for afflictions rather than big concrete needs (which she can also provide). Her actions are passionate yet also discreet. When least expected, one of the many roses she promised from heaven suddenly appears.
When it was announced that Saint Therese’s relics would pass nearby, I felt compelled to go. I dropped everything and went to see her.
Taking Over the Chapel
Approaching the Carmelite monastery, I did not know what to expect. However, one thing was evident: many people shared my hopes. At the entrance, a crew of people directed us into a large field that was turned into a parking lot. This was a major event; people were coming in from all over, attracted to this wonder of grace.
The visitation was held in the monastery chapel, which had a rather confusing modern design. In contrast, the magnificent reliquary consisted of a large coffer designed to resemble a beautiful church, complete with intricate detail. Over the coffer was a glass protective cover, which people kissed or pressed pictures and rosaries.
Upon entering the chapel, the reliquary commanded all attention. She took over the place. I hardly noticed anything else.
Graces Received
Three things impressed me during my short afternoon visit.
First, I was impressed by the graces I received from venerating the relics. The atmosphere communicated a great calm and confidence. I felt drawn to the relics, sensing in them something powerful yet accessible, intense yet inviting.
While I did not receive any overwhelming graces, the visit did fortify me in my desire to live my Catholic Faith. I sensed myself so much at peace in the relics’ presence that time passed very quickly. It was enough to simply be there absorbing the blessings to make it worth my while.
Graces Others Received
The second thing that impressed me was the graces others received when venerating the relics.
A steady stream of humanity passed by the reliquary. Some were merely curious. Others were in awe. Yet others were emotional in their encounters with the famous saint. The wonder of the small children particularly stood out.
As they passed, I sensed that many were receiving graces, and it caused everyone who watched a certain joy. We somehow participated in their good fortune and shared their happiness.
Most people did not spend a lot of time in front of the relics. There were touching scenes of connection with the saint. However, the majority stopped and knelt for a few minutes in her presence and then went to the pews to pray yet more. They approached Saint Therese with their hopes, sorrows and expectations. Most left in some way satisfied.
Also impressive was the variety of people who streamed into the chapel. There were older people, families and children. Young people—and young men—approached with reverence. I saw people broken by trials. Others suffered affliction with resignation. Handicapped people appeared, perhaps hoped for a miracle, yet made no demands. Everyone made a great effort to be there. I was touched by the authentic piety and faith of those drawn to this reliquary.
Graces Not Received
The third thing that impressed me was the graces that people did not receive. It seemed that the relics that served as the instrument of so many graces had so much more to give.
These relics have an enormous power of attraction! And yet, they are neglected in today’s modern Church agendas, more concerned with climate change than with changing hearts.
I was saddened by the fact that such pilgrimages are so rare and discouraged. More progressive elements of the Church dismiss them as artifacts from the medieval past.
They do not see that these devotions are what the Church needs now. I could not help but think about how these practices could enliven the Faith, increase vocations and inflame people with devotion. These things, not liberation theology, are what attract the people in the pews.
The scene before my eyes, of so many coming despite everything, reassured me that the Church will prevail in the end, as promised by Our Lady at Fatima.
These were my thoughts upon leaving the chapel. I left these concerns for the Church before Saint Therese, confident in her extreme ardor for the cause of God in which she declared she sensed “the vocation of the warrior, the priest, the apostle, the doctor of the Church, the martyr, the prophet and missionary.”
First published on TFP.org.