On a crisp autumn morning in Royal Oak, Michigan, faithful pilgrims and curious onlookers gathered at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, eager to witness a rare and sacred event. The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux—one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved saints—had arrived on American soil, beginning a months-long tour across the United States that would touch the hearts of thousands.
According to reporting from The Associated Press and The Washington Times, the tour commenced on October 1, 2025, marking the centennial of St. Thérèse’s canonization. The relics—carefully housed in a beautifully adorned reliquary—will remain on display at the Royal Oak basilica until October 8 before embarking on a journey to California and then winding through Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington, DC, with the pilgrimage continuing through December.
The excitement was palpable even before the doors opened. Nicole Scheier, one of the early arrivals at the basilica, shared her anticipation: “St. Thérèse is a saint for everybody. She is relatable. She teaches that sainthood is attainable, doing small things with great love.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many who came to pay their respects, some arriving hours in advance to ensure they would have a chance to venerate the relics.
Haifa Gabbara, another visitor from West Bloomfield Township, described the significance of the moment for her family: “St. Thérèse means a lot to me and to my family. So, I was determined to be here, although early.” The arrival of the relics was more than just a religious event; for many, it was a deeply personal experience, a chance to connect with a saint whose message of humility and love has resonated across generations.
The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, with its striking stone steeple rising over Woodward Avenue, is itself a monument to the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse. Founded in 1926, just a year after her canonization by Pope Pius XI, the parish was among the first in the world dedicated to the young French nun who died in 1897 at the age of 24. Despite her short life and the fact that she never left her Carmelite convent in Lisieux, France, Thérèse Martin—known affectionately as “The Little Flower of Jesus”—became a spiritual giant.
Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, published after her death, revealed a profound theology of “the little way.” In this spiritual path, Thérèse taught that holiness was not reserved for the extraordinary, but could be found in everyday acts performed with love and devotion. In her own words, “I will seek out a means of getting to Heaven by a little way – very short and very straight little way that is wholly new. We live in an age of inventions; nowadays the rich need not trouble to climb the stairs, they have lifts instead. Well, 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 added, “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.”
This message found fertile ground in the hearts of millions, including future saints. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, for example, adopted Thérèse’s name upon entering religious life and credited “the little way” as a guiding inspiration for her own service to the poor in India.
The last time St. Thérèse’s relics visited the United States was in 1999. During their brief stay in Royal Oak, tens of thousands flocked to the basilica for a chance to be near the remains of the saint. Now, a quarter-century later, the relics return not only to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her canonization but also to rekindle the spirit of her teachings among a new generation of Americans.
The current tour is expected to draw large crowds at every stop, reflecting the enduring appeal of St. Thérèse’s message. The Rev. John Bettin, rector of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, captured the excitement and gratitude felt by many: “It feels like Christmas morning that a wonderful gift from God is coming here to be with us.”
For Catholics, relics are more than historical artifacts. As explained by The Associated Press, a relic—often a physical part of a saint’s body or their personal belongings—serves as a tangible link to the holy person it represents. The veneration of relics is an ancient tradition in the Church, offering believers a way to express reverence and seek intercession from those recognized as especially close to God.
St. Thérèse’s relics will remain at the Michigan shrine through October 8 before making their way to California, then on to states such as Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, and ultimately the nation’s capital. Each stop is expected to draw pilgrims and the faithful, as well as those simply intrigued by the story of a young woman whose “little way” has touched so many lives.
Born in 1873, Thérèse Martin entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux as a teenager. Despite her seclusion, her writings and example spread rapidly after her death, inspiring a global following. Her canonization in 1925 by Pope Pius XI was a recognition of her universal appeal and her unique contribution to Catholic spirituality. She was later named a Doctor of the Church, one of only a handful of women to receive that distinction, underscoring the depth and originality of her spiritual insights.
As the tour unfolds, organizers and clergy hope that the presence of St. Thérèse’s relics will renew faith and inspire acts of kindness in communities across the country. For those who visit, whether out of devotion or curiosity, the experience offers a glimpse into the life of a saint who made greatness out of smallness, and whose message—over a century later—remains as fresh and urgent as ever.
With each stop on this cross-country journey, St. Thérèse’s “little way” continues to bridge continents and centuries, inviting all to believe that even the smallest acts, done with love, can change the world.
