Relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux arrive in Scotland

Saint Therese of Lisieux

Source: SCMO

The relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux arrive in Scotland for the first time tomorrow, Thursday 29th of August, where they will begin a three-week tour of Scotland's eight Catholic dioceses.

Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin entered the convent aged just 15 and was canonised a saint in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Many miracles of healing have been reported throughout the world, including Scotland, through her intercession.

She is a Doctor of the Church, Patroness of the Missions and of the sick. Her relics will be brought to Barlinnie Prison for a special Mass on Monday 16th of September.

Fr Jim Grant, General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland who has coordinated the visit said: "People today are fascinated by the idea of pilgrimage, of travelling to a holy place or site associated with a holy person.

This once in a lifetime visit of the relics of Saint Therese to Scotland is a pilgrimage in reverse, where a holy person comes to us. We can expect many graces from this visit including healing, conversion and discovery of true vocation to God."

Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell, said: "I hope the Pilgrimage of the Relics of St Therese will encourage us, through the inspiration and intercession of St Therese, to have confidence in God's merciful love for each of us, and to share that love daily with all with whom we share our lives. In bringing St Therese's relics to Scotland we will pray that we will be inspired by her to recognise and live to the full our vocation in the mission of the Church in our country as joyful witnesses of Jesus Our Lord."

The ornate casket carrying the relics of St Therese will arrive at St Francis Xavier's, Carfin at 11am. Hundreds of pupils from Taylor High School, New Stevenston, Our Lady and St Francis' Primary School, Motherwell and St Teresa's Primary School, Newarthill will line the streets to witness the procession which will be led by North Lanarkshire School Pipe Band.

Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell, will celebrate Mass with primary and secondary school children at St Francis Xavier's, Carfin at 11am. There will be a Mass with Sacrament of the Sick at 1pm.

Key dates:

Diocese of Motherwell -- 29 August - 1 September

Diocese of Galloway -- 1 September - 4 September

Diocese of Dunkeld -- 4 September - 7 September

Archdiocese of Saint Andrews & Edinburgh -- 7 September - 9 September

Diocese of Aberdeen -- 9 September - 12 September

Diocese of Argyll and the Isles -- 12 September - 14 September

Diocese of Paisley - 14 September -- 16 September

Archdiocese of Glasgow - 16 September -- 19 September

LINKS

A full itinerary of the visit and more background is available at: www.littleflowerinscotland.co.uk

Scottish Catholic Media Office - www.scmo.org