Where to visit St. Thérèse, canonized 100 years ago (Photos)

Affectionally called the Little Flower, St. Thérèse has deeply influenced Catholics in France and worldwide. This year, for the 100th anniversary of her canonization, the Sanctuary of Lisieux has planned spiritual and cultural events in the town where she lived and died.

Thérèse pronounced her final vows in September 1897 when she was only 17. She became a Carmelite sister named Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus at the Carmel de Lisieux in Northern France. She died seven years later at the age of 24

With no formal education, her quotes, letters, manuscripts, poems, and writings have inspired countless believers and seekers over the years. Her autobiography "Story of a Soul," explains her Little Way with simplicity, love, and humility.

Pope Pius XI beatified St. Thérèse on April 29, 1923, and canonized her a little over two years later on May 17, 1925 -- only 28 years after her death.

Pope John Paul II declared St. Thérèse a doctor of the church on October 19, 1997, in recognition of her inspirational works.

A few months before her death, she wrote:

Here are three places to visit to appreciate her life in Lisieux.

Thérèse’s home, where she lived for 11 years, is open to visitors. The rooms of this red brick house have not been altered. Her family called the house "Les Buissonnets," which translates as "The Little Bushes."

Laurence Panontin, head of the Pastoral Care Unit, said that the recorded commentary about St. Therese’s life in her home — where she resided for the longest period of her life — is available in several languages.

Most importantly, she pointed out:  

The house is open daily from 10 am to 12 pm (except Sunday morning) and from 2 pm to 4 pm.

When Pope Pius XI canonized St. Thérèse in 1925, he told the bishop that he hoped the Basilica would be "very big, built quickly, and beautifully."

The Holy Father’s wish was granted. Construction started four years later, in 1929, with donations from Christians worldwide.

The Basilica is large, with a seating capacity for 4,000 pilgrims. Over 2 million visitors pass through the Basilica each year. The striking neo-Byzantine exterior, with its Art Deco-style details and imposing dome, dominates the town's center.

Inside, the Basilica is impressive and beautiful: stained glass windows and colorful mosaics brighten the interior, with 17 side chapels dedicated to various countries. I asked Laurence about the altar in the American chapel.

She explained:

So, while visiting St. Therese in Lisieux, it is also possible to enjoy a short visit with Mother Cabrini!

To appreciate the Basilica fully, use the elevator: you can explore all four levels of the sacred space, accessing the dome, the crypt where St. Therese’s parents (also saints) are buried, as well as the upper Basilica.

The Basilica of Saint Thérèse is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm from October to February, from 9:30 am to 7 pm in September, March, and April, and from 9:30 am to 9 pm from May to August. It is a good idea to check the website before your visit in case the times change.

Behind the Basilica is the Carmelite Chapel, which houses the relics of St. Thérèse.

Saint Thérèse arrived at the Carmel in Lisieux on April 9, leaving her family home just over a mile away to live with her spiritual sisters.

She worked in the linen room, and her primary occupation was sweeping the stairs and the dormitory.

The historic part of the Carmel where St. Thérèse lived and died has remained intact over the years but is not open to visitors. However, the Saint Thérèse Memorial beside the chapel allows visitors to appreciate the miracles and healings she performed.

Here, you can see photos of her life at the convent, what she wore, where she slept, and some of her belongings.  

Today, six Carmelite sisters still live at the Carmel.

To commemorate the anniversary, the sanctuary has planned spiritual and cultural events throughout the year and a rich program on the theme of joy and holiness.

Why not stay at Lisieux for a few days?

You can reserve at L'Ermitage,” or the “Foyer Saints Louis & Zélie Martin,” two reception houses for pilgrims. Run by a community of religious sisters (Servants of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus) as well as a lay staff, pilgrims can stay here for personal retreats or pilgrimages. They are also open for lunch during your family walk as you trace the life of St Thérèse.

To see more images of the places mentioned in this article, CLICK ON the photo gallery below.