Fr Leonard E Dollentas
Much to the delight of the Filipinos, the Philippines once again welcomed the visit of the Pilgrim Relics of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. This event marks the fifth visit of the relics to the Philippines. The Filipinos warmly received the relics on January 2, which coincided with St. Thérèse’s 150th birth anniversary. The visit will conclude on April 30, 2023, the centennial of her beatification.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) hopes and prays that through this visit, “we continue to learn more profoundly her life and message of God’s gift of merciful love through her Way of Spiritual Childhood. By her example and intercession, Saint Thérèse continues to enrich the lives of Filipino people.”
St. Thérèse, also known as the ‘Little Flower’, is revered for her simple, yet profound spirituality and her unwavering devotion to God. Her writings and teachings have inspired countless people around the world, and her intercession is sought by many who face difficulties and challenges in their lives.
The Pilgrim Relics of St. Thérèse have been taken to various churches and cathedrals across the Philippines, drawing thousands of devotees who come to venerate and offer prayers. The relics include a piece of bone from the saint’s arm as well as other objects associated with her life and legacy.
The pilgrimage of the relics is being considered as a time for spiritual renewal and rejuvenation for many Filipinos, who have been seeking the intercession of St. Thérèse for their personal intentions. It is also a time of celebration, as the country honors one of its most cherished saints. The event also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the Catholic faith and the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many.