Saint Therese of Lisieux: A Gateway

The Relics of Three Remarkable Saints
Coming to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

St. Zelie Martin; St. Therese of Lisieux; St. Louis Martin

St. Therese Parish in Deephaven announces that
the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
and her parents, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin,
are coming to the Twin Cities from October 4 through October 15, 2023

Below are the locations and dates open to the public. For details and events, please visit the following websites 

October 4 - 5: St. Mary’s in Stillwater – www.stmichaelandstmarystillwater.org

October 6 - 7: Cathedral of St. Paul – www.cathedralsaintpaul.org

October 7 - 10: Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis – www.mary.org

October 12 - 15: St. Therese Parish in Deephaven – www.st-therese.org

What is a relic?

Relics are classified as first, second, or third-class.  A first-class relic is part of a saint’s body (e.g., bone, blood, flesh).  Second-class relics are possessions that a saint owned, such as clothing or something used by a saint.  Third-class relics are objects that have been touched to a first, second, or another third-class relic of a saint.  We will be receiving first class relics of the visiting Saints.  

Why venerate relics?

From Sacred Scripture to online references, there are many examples of healing after exposure to relics. The healing is from God; relics are the means through which he acts.  Any good that comes about through a relic is God’s doing.  By venerating or honoring the saints through whom God has worked in an extraordinary way, we adore and glorify God, who worked so beautifully in their lives.  Our veneration of relics also reminds us that we are part of the Communion of Saints, the great “cloud of witnesses” who have run the race before us (Heb. 12:1).  

Why venerate St. Thérèse and her parents, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin?

Pope Pius X referred to St. Thérèse as “the greatest saint of modern times.”  Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, and her “little way” of trust and love has inspired millions.  In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II declared St. Thérèse a Doctor of the Church. On October 18, 2015, Louis and Zélie were canonized by Pope Francis I.  They are the first spouses who were not martyrs who were canonized together as a couple in the history of the Church!

Details about St. Thérèse and her parents

There will be more information on these wonderful saints at each location.

If you have questions or want more information, reach out to Laura Hunziker at lhunziker@st-therese.org