The reliquary of St. Therese will make its first visit to England and Wales next year, from September 16 to October 16, 2009.  The bishops have planned a year of catechesis to prepare for the visit, with a special invitation to young people, the sick, and those of any faith who are seeking their way in life.  See the Web site of the bishops' conference.  I am honored to report that it lists thereseoflisieux.org as

Far and away the best website about St. Thérèse, it is the work of Maureen O’Riordan from Philadelphia. This well-organised and attractively presented site contains a huge amount of information about every aspect of St. Thérèse’s life and mission.

To see this acknowledgment in context, visit the resources page of their site and scroll down to "Web sites."  I thank everyone who has contributed to the site. Please pray that the time of preparation and the visit of the reliquary will bring many graces not only to Catholics but to all the people of both countries.  May we celebrate the feast of St. Therese by being partners with her in fulfilling her desire:  "I shall desire in Heaven the same thing I do on earth: to love Jesus and to make Him loved."

September 30, 2008 - On the anniversary of St. Therese's "entering into life," please see the marriage medallion Louis Martin designed and gave to Zelie during their marriage ceremony.  This medallion will be on exhibit in Alencon on October 18, the vigil of the  beatification.  I have the honor of displaying this photograph thanks to Father Antonio Sangalli, O.C.D.  Medallions commemorating the beatification of Louis and Zelie Martin, adapted from the medallion Louis designed, are available to the faithful.

Thanks to the Archives of the Carmel of Lisieux and to Father Antonio of the Mother of God, O.C.D., I have the joy of sharing with you the recently discovered photograph of Venerable Zelie Martin, the mother of St. Therese, undated, but believed to date from about 1875, so that it reflects Zelie's face as Therese saw it.  It was recovered thanks to Mme. F. Besnier, a member of the photographer's family.  I am grateful to all who made this possible.

Why has the Church called these spouses blessed?  What difference do their lives make for the women and men of today?  How can they accompany us on our own pilgrimage?  In honor of the beatification of the father and mother of St. Therese of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face, I wrote a short article to explore these questions:  "Blessed Zelie and Louis Martin, Companions on Our Journey."

This film of the candlelight processions of the reliquary of St. Therese that take place for the feast every year at Lisieux was generously contributed as a feast-day gift by its producer, Susan Ehlert.  Please view this four-minute film at http://www.thereseoflisieux.org/celebrating-st-thereses-feast/