Newspapers Feature St. Therese’s Relics Tour
St. Thérèse’s relics reach Little Rock for Jubilee tour
(Front row, left) Sister Lucia Ellender , Sister Stephanie Turner, Sister Maria Cruz de Leon
(back row, left) Sister Karith Michael Dizon, Sister Mercia Mary Bowie and Sister Anu Maria Jose are seen here Sept. 25. (Katie Zakrzewski)
Relics of ‘The Little Flower’ to be displayed at Christ the King Church Nov. 8
Katie Zakrzewski , Associate Editor
October 9, 2025
Catholics will have the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux at Christ the King Church in Little Rock Nov. 8 as part of a national tour in celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The relics will arrive at the Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock Friday, Nov. 7. The relics will then be available for a full day of veneration at Christ the King Church Saturday, Nov. 8. Veneration will begin at 10 a.m. with Mass and end with another Mass at 5 p.m.
“St. Thérèse is one of the most beloved saints in the United States, and devotion to her remains strong,” said Father Juan Guido, pastor of Christ the King Church and diocesan coordinator of the Jubilee Year. “She is the patroness of the missions, and in the year 2000, her relics made a historic pilgrimage across our country. Thousands welcomed and venerated them in many of the nation’s largest cities.”
Her relics are visiting the United States Oct, 1 to Dec. 8 for the 100th anniversary of her canonization and the Jubilee Year.
St. Thérèse, known as “The Little Flower,” was born in France and followed two older sisters into the Carmelites, entering the order at the age of 15. In 1896, she contracted tuberculosis and died months later. Her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” was published posthumously.
“This year, our diocese has the great honor of receiving her relics. We may not be one of the largest dioceses in the United States, but through St. Thérèse, the Diocese of Little Rock is being placed in the national spotlight. This is something we should be deeply proud of, and it is truly a blessing.”
Father Guido said that the viewing of St. Thérèse’s relics is also a great way to celebrate the Jubilee, through prayer for vocations.
“St. Thérèse is not only the patroness of the missions, but she also had a profound love for priests. As a diocese, we are called to pray for our priests, and what better way to do so than by joining with this great saint who cared for them so deeply?” Father Guido said. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for priests throughout our diocese to gather with our bishop and celebrate our Jubilee. St. Thérèse was also a Carmelite nun who cherished her religious vocation. Her love for religious life inspires us today. This event will also be a special opportunity for the religious of our diocese to come together and celebrate their Jubilee around our bishop.”
Father Guido encouraged all Catholics to learn more about St. Thérèse and to venerate her relics in November in honor of “those who have dedicated their lives to the service of God and his people.”
“Our diocese is filled with hope, and St. Thérèse reminds us of this truth,” he said. “By her coming here in this way, she offers us once again her testimony of hope.”
At the Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock, the Carmelite sisters expressed excitement about the relics tour.
Sister Lucia Ellender, OCD, said planning for the relics tour began about a year ago.
“I was prioress at the time. One of the fathers from San Antonio, who is going to be in charge of the relics, contacted us to see if we wanted to have them come through, and we said yes, not realizing what was involved,” she said.
But after speaking with Father Guido, Sister Lucia realized that people were already excited about the prospect of seeing one of the most famous saints’ relics.
The tour will also feature a table hosted by the Institute of Carmelite Studies, showcasing books and writings by St. Thérèse.
“The night before, for the religious of the diocese and our Carmelite seculars, we’re going to have vespers here,” Sister Mercia Mary Bowie, OCD, said. “So we’re going to have her at the Carmel just for the night before.”
Sister Stephanie Turner said the writings of St. Thérèse contain timeless wisdom.
“For me, I think it’s important that we hear about her autobiography — that’s very important. It’s a classic. But I think to really know her, other than what she wrote of the Story of her Soul, is to read her letters and her poetry,” she said. “Those are critical in knowing how she accommodates, how she approaches people. … to know a person, they say you have to read their letters.”
Sister Stephanie took St. Thérèse’s name as her confirmation name.
“I was fascinated by this nun who died young. … And all my life, she’s had an influence on me. … But I think for me, what’s so amazing is the effect she has on people — even non-Catholics. People who never heard of her, or even Buddhists, have a great devotion to her.”
Sister Maria Cruz de Leon said, “It’s an event that is going to have many graces around the people — spiritual graces, and they are expecting that. I think St. Thérèse is very well-known around the world.”
Sister Maria Cruz said she first learned about St. Thérèse in her home country of Panama, but gained a deeper understanding of her after entering the Carmel.
“For me, she was fragile, and our Lord took her and was in love with her. Another thing that most impressed me is that she was considered little. She wanted to be little, because she said the Lord would take her in his arms. … From a child to an adult, she had this great heart and confidence in our Lord. …”
Sister Anu Maria Jose said that she’s excited for “people to see (St. Thérèse’s) incredible service.”
“It’s a good way to share the blessing. We can go to her, but she’s coming to us. … We cannot always depend on the people in authority. … and we cannot control what other people do. She did what she could. I think she’s a ray of hope for us.”
Sister Karith Michael Dizon said St. Thérèse embodies the Carmelite spirit.
“There’s this marriage of realism and also great love for God. She’s just so realistic. … She knew what God had asked of her. That’s where we find holiness.”
The sisters said they are happy Little Rock will welcome the Little Flower.
“(St. Thérèse’s relics have) been to Chicago, been to New York — but she herself loved littleness,” Sister Stephanie said. “So how appropriate is it that she’s coming to our little diocese. I think that’s God’s choice, along with hers.”
CORRECTION: The original publication of this article didn’t list both Mass times for the Nov. 8 event. This online version has been corrected.
Katie Zakrzewski
Katie Zakrzewski joined Arkansas Catholic as associate editor in 2023 after working in local media and the environmental sector. A member of St. Mary Church in North Little Rock, she recently completed her master’s degree in public service from the Clinton School.
