St Thérèse of Lisieux

Today the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux sometimes known as “The Little Flower” are being venerated in the Oratory Church of St Aloysius Gonzaga in the University City of Oxford.

To those who of my friends who are in Oxford, I ask that they pray for me, and ask St Thérèse to pray for me to have the courage to face the difficulties that my diagnosis have placed upon me.

To quote one priest friend I asked to pray for me while she is in the Oratory…

You will indeed be given the courage and the grace you need. Once Thérèse starts praying…

Some other thoughts on relics, which though written for the visit of St Thérèse to Ireland in 1994 are just as relevant now, as she is in Oxford.

Preparation for this timely visit involved a deepened understanding of the saint’s doctrine, in particular her teaching on God’s merciful love, on the Little Way of spiritual childhood which is a way of unending love. The teaching of this Doctor of the Church is at once simple and profound. It will only be if we allow Thérèse to lead us to Jesus and to Mary that the visit of her relics will be of any value to ourselves and to the millions of people who venerated the reliquary…

Relics in the end must point beyond themselves to God, and any veneration or honour given to them is honour to God who has crowned the saints with glory, and who wishes to bless us through our love for, and appreciation of, his special friends.

from The Veneration of Relics
by Christopher O’Donnell O.Carm.

Some reading this may find it strange to find such a religious posting, but I do find when I keep to my prayers: when I ask for help from God and the Saints, that is when I find the most peace.

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.