Relics and reliquaries
As part of Thérèse's canonization process, her mortal remains were exhumed three times : in 1910, in 1917 and in 1923. His body did not remain intact.
In 1923, during their transfer to Carmel on the occasion of the Beatification, the relics were placed in the shrine chapel, under the recumbent statue. A few bones were removed and placed in reliquaries, one of which is visible in the Basilica.
Brazil, which has a special devotion to little Thérèse, notably offered two shrines, one remaining in Lisieux and the second traveling the world.
1945: Paris
On the eve of the Liberation, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus Secondary Patroness of France, equal to Saint Joan of Arc. On this occasion, the relics of Thérèse left the Carmel of Lisieux for the first time to be venerated in all the dioceses of France, starting with Paris in February-March 1945.
1946-1947: Travels in France
Thérèse's relics then traveled the rest of France in 1946 and 1947. A first trip was organized in the East of France in October 1946. Then it was the turn of the regions of West and South of France in February-March 1947. The third trip took place in April-May 1947 in the Center and the Alps. A last trip took place in October-November 1947 in the North, in Brittany and Normandy.
Since 1994: Travels around the world
In 1994, with a view to preparing for the centenary of Thérèse's death in 1997, the rector of the Sanctuary of Lisieux had the idea of sending Thérèse's relics to the three major French cities she visited during her pilgrimage to Rome: Paris, Lyons and Marseilles. He then plans to send them to the major capitals of the five continents, starting with Europe.
Each time, impressive crowds come to meet and pray to Thérèse. The reliquary also makes a tour of the monasteries in France. At the end of 1997, he left for a whole year in Brazil. Since 1994, the relics have visited nearly 70 countries around the world. The journey still continues today.
