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It all began in 1898 with the posthumous publication
of the autobiography of Sister Thérèse
of the Infant Jesus, who died from tuberculosis,
one year earlier, at the age of 24, at the Lisieux
Carmelite convent. This book entitled “
Histoire d’une âme ” (Story
of a soul) quickly triggered a whirlwind of glory
throughout the world. It evokes the childhood
memories of Thérèse Martin, her
birth in Alençon in 1873, her early entry
into the Carmelites at the age of 15 to save souls
through prayer and sacrifice. |
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Above all, it showed us her little way
of confidence and love, a message for our time
within the reach of everyone. The person Pius
X called "the greatest saint of modern times"
was canonised in 1925, then proclaimed Patron
of the Missions and second Patron of France. Pilgrims
flooded in great numbers to Lisieux. An enormous
basilica was built in 1929, a visible sign of
this fervour. In 1997, in recognition of the reality
and the universality of her doctrine, Pope John
Paul II made Saint Thérèse a Doctor
of the Church. |
Means
for knowing better Theresa
Guided
tours, Basilica, Carmelite chapel (closed in 2007 for
renovation), house of les Buissonnets, Cathedral:
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For groups (all year)
•
For individuals (in summer)
Diorama
: Therese Martin wax museum (commentary in 6 languages)
Projections,
expositions, conferences, bookshop - in Pastoral Reception
Centre (site of the Basilica)
Masses
Basilica
– Sunday and holidays : 10.30 hrs (Crypt off season)
Crypt
on weekdays : 11.00 hrs (all year round)
Main events
Holy week « Experience the Easter mystery at Lisieux
» (celebrations and conferences)
May
and June : youth gatherings
15th
of August : Feast ot the Assumption with procession
of the Virgin of the Smile
Last
weekend in September and the following week : Feasts
of Saint Theresa with solemn masses and processions
of the relics of the Saint.
Detailed program, timetable and other information available
on our Web Site : www.therese-de-lisieux.com
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