Saint Therese of Lisieux: A Gateway

 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."