Hundreds of faithful gathered in anticipation as the sacred relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux arrived at one of the first churches in the world named in her honor.

The nationwide relics tour opened October 1 at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Michigan, marking the beginning of a multi-state journey through December that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the French saint’s canonization, as Breitbart reports.

The basilica, located just north of Detroit on Woodward Avenue, was established as a parish in 1926, only a year after St. Thérèse’s canonization by Pope Pius XI. The church has since become a landmark in the region, not only for its architecture but for its continued devotion to the saint known as “The Little Flower.”

Start of Tour Draws Early Crowds

The arrival of the relics inspired many to gather outside the basilica hours before the official opening. Visitors shared personal reflections about the saint’s influence on their lives, and a welcoming sign had been placed inside the church the day prior, setting a reverent tone.

“It feels like Christmas morning that a wonderful gift from God is coming here to be with us,” said the Rev. John Bettin, rector of the basilica. He was among the first to view the relics on September 30, just ahead of the public display.

Haifa Gabbara, one of the early visitors at the shrine, said she came in the pre-dawn hours out of devotion. “St. Thérèse means a lot to me and to my family,” she said. “So, I was determined to be here, although early.”

Legacy of a Carmelite Nun

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, born Thérèse Martin in 1873 in France, joined a Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15. She died young, at just 24, from tuberculosis in 1897, but her spiritual impact has grown with time.

Her autobiography, titled The Story of a Soul, revealed her approach to faith through what she called a “little way”—a path centered on simple acts carried out with great love and trust in God. This perspective made her widely relatable across generations.

The Catholic Church later declared her a Doctor of the Church—an honor given to only a few saints—because of the spiritual depth and theological value of her writings.

Teachings That Resonate With the Faithful

One of her most cited passages compares her spiritual journey to a lift rather than climbing stairs: “I mean to try and find a lift by which I may be raised unto God, for I am too tiny to climb the steep stairway of perfection,” she wrote. Her humble viewpoint spoke to those seeking practical ways to live out their faith.

She went on, “To get there, I need not grow. On the contrary, I must remain little, I must become still less.” This emphasis on spiritual childhood became central to her philosophy.

“Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them,” she wrote, capturing the essence of her message.

Past and Present Visits Highlight Her Appeal

The sacred relics had toured the United States once before in 1999, when even a one-day stop at Royal Oak drew tens of thousands. This year’s longer visit is expected to attract large numbers as well.

Nicole Scheier, reflecting on the enduring appeal of the saint as she stood before a statue outside the basilica, said, “St. Thérèse is a saint for everybody. She is relatable. She teaches that sainthood is attainable, doing small things with great love.”

Relics in Catholic tradition typically include physical remains or possessions associated with saints. They are preserved and venerated as tangible symbols of spiritual connection and inspiration.

Expanded Tour Covers Coasts and Midwest

The relics will remain in Royal Oak through October 8 before continuing their journey to other parts of the country, including stops planned in California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, and Washington, D.C.

Organizers said the tour reflects both a tribute to the centenary of her canonization and a broader desire to bring communities together through shared spiritual experience. The inclusion of cities across several regions speaks to her widespread appeal among American Catholics.

By December’s end, her message of finding sainthood through small acts of love will have reached thousands more across the nation. For many, it is not just about seeing relics, but about deepening their spiritual lives through St. Thérèse’s example.