On 11 November 2021, the General Conference of UNESCO member countries validated the inclusion of Thérèse of Lisieux in the anniversaries with which UNESCO will be associated for the years 2022/2023, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary in 2023 of the birth of Thérèse Martin in Alençon, on 2 January 1873.
A young French woman known throughout the world, a woman of culture, education and science, Thérèse of Lisieux, through her personality and her work, scans the depths of the human heart and opens up possible answers to the men and women of this world in search of meaning, in search of personal and universal peace.
UNESCO's recognition of Thérèse of Lisieux at the suggestion of France opens up new prospects for the spread of her message of life, peace and love to "the remotest islands", as Thérèse of Lisieux herself put it, to the "peripheries", according to the expression of Pope Francis.
The official reception of this recognition took place on Saturday 4 December 2021 at 3.30 pm in Lisieux at the Halle Saint-Jacques, rue au Char.
Father Olivier Ruffray Rector of the Shrine of Lisieux
Every two years, Unesco honours personalities who, in their own way, have worked and continue to work in the fields of education, the advancement of women, culture, science and peace-building
Known throughout the world, Thérèse, through her works and her testimony, contributes to the promotion of universal values. Through the quality and depth of her life, she speaks a language that transcends borders; that of Love.
Father Thierry Hénault-Morel Rector of the Shrine of Alençon
[This article is excerpted from a press release published on the Web site of the Shrine at Lisieux (https://www.therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr). I reproduce it here with fervent thanks to the Shrine at Lisieux, the Shrine at Alencon, UNESCO, and all their partners in celebrating this worldwide honor done to Therese]. Look for more information about the universal significance of this award in the days to come.