Royal Oak, Michigan, is experiencing a rare spiritual event this week as the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux—one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved saints—are on display at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. From October 1 through October 8, 2025, thousands of faithful and curious visitors are expected to make their way to this iconic Roman Catholic church to honor the saint known as the "Little Flower." For many, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect with the earthly remains of a woman whose life story has inspired millions around the globe.
The relics, which include bones, hair, and part of St. Thérèse’s nun’s habit, arrived at the basilica in the early hours of October 1, marking the start of a months-long U.S. tour that will eventually take them to California, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., according to coverage from The Gazette. The last time these relics visited Royal Oak was in 1999, when tens of thousands flocked to the basilica for a single day of veneration. This year, the relics’ stay is longer, giving more people the chance to participate in this unique tradition.
For the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, the event is deeply personal. The basilica, founded in 1926 and named after St. Thérèse, considers itself a "second home" to its patroness, as Rev. John Bettin, the basilica’s rector, explained to the Detroit Free Press. "It feels like Christmas morning that a wonderful gift from God is coming here to be with us," Bettin said, capturing the excitement and reverence felt by many in the community.
But what exactly is veneration, and why do so many people feel compelled to participate? In Catholic tradition, veneration is a way to show deep respect for saints and the holy lives they led. It’s not the same as adoration, which is reserved for God alone. As Bettin clarified, "They (saints) already made it to heaven, and are close to God. The hope is they can intervene and pray for us."
The process itself is steeped in ritual and tradition. Visitors to the basilica will find the reliquary—essentially a treasure chest containing the saint’s remains—displayed in a central area. While some may wish to touch or kiss the glass covering the relics, the basilica has established guidelines to protect these sacred items. According to The Gazette, visitors may touch the reliquary with medals, rosaries, or prayer cards but are not permitted to lean on or kiss the glass. "We do have to protect the reliquary and the relics," Bettin emphasized, underscoring the balance between accessibility and preservation.
The relics themselves are classified as "first-class," meaning they are actual parts of the saint’s body or items closely associated with her. In St. Thérèse’s case, this includes bones, hair, and a piece of her habit. There are also "second-class" relics—objects the saint used, such as clothing or a prayer book—and "third-class" relics, which are items touched to a first-class relic during veneration.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux was born in 1873 in Lisieux, France, and joined the Carmelite religious order in 1882. She died tragically young, succumbing to tuberculosis at age 24 in 1897. Despite her short life, her impact was profound. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925, and her autobiography, Story of a Soul, became a spiritual classic, inspiring generations of Catholics and even figures like Mother Teresa, who took her name and cited her as a source of inspiration for service to the poor in India.
Why does St. Thérèse resonate so deeply with so many? Part of her enduring appeal lies in her "little way"—the spiritual philosophy that sainthood is attainable by doing small things with great love. Nicole Scheier, an early visitor to the basilica, told The Gazette: "St. Thérèse is a saint for everybody. She is relatable. She teaches that sainthood is attainable, doing small things with great love." Her humility and simple trust in God have made her a patroness for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Rev. Bettin echoed this sentiment in his remarks to the Detroit Free Press, explaining that St. Thérèse is called the Little Flower because she once said, "I don’t need to be a great, grand flower in the garden. I can be a little flower in God's garden and do good things." For many, this message—that ordinary acts of kindness and love are just as valuable as grand gestures—feels especially relevant in today’s world.
The basilica’s website recounts how, after her death, miracles were reported worldwide, which many saw as evidence of God’s love expressed through Thérèse’s intercession. Her promise to "let fall a shower of roses from Heaven" has become legendary, and stories of answered prayers and unexpected blessings continue to circulate among the faithful.
The return of the relics to Royal Oak is more than just a local event; it’s part of a broader tradition within the Catholic Church that stretches back centuries. The veneration of relics serves as a tangible link to the past, reminding believers of the real, human lives behind the saints’ stories. As Bettin explained, "The hope is they can intervene and pray for us." For many, the act of veneration is both a personal and communal experience—one that connects them to a larger spiritual family.
Among the crowd at the basilica, stories of devotion abound. Haifa Gabbara, who traveled from West Bloomfield Township, described her determination to be present for the relics’ arrival: "St. Thérèse means a lot to me and to my family. So, I was determined to be here, although early." Such testimonies highlight the depth of feeling and anticipation surrounding the relics’ visit.
Given the expected crowds, the basilica has encouraged visitors to register online before attending veneration or Mass. This precaution, along with the guidelines for interacting with the reliquary, is designed to ensure that everyone has a safe and meaningful experience.
After their week-long stay in Royal Oak, the relics will continue their journey across the United States, offering more communities the chance to honor St. Thérèse and reflect on her message of love and humility. For the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and its visitors, this rare visit serves as both a spiritual milestone and a reminder that, sometimes, the smallest gestures—like a simple prayer or a quiet act of kindness—can leave the most lasting impact.
