Online Newsletter
Issue Three: 10 May 2001.
Diary of the Visit
Legion of Mary - Wednesday 2nd May 2001.
On Wednesday 2 May the Relics of St. Therese visited the Headquarters of the Legion of Mary in Brunswick Street in the Dublin Liberties. The complex includes the Concilium Office, the Morning Star Hostel for men and the Regina Coeli Hostel for women.
A huge crowd lined the avenue as the Theresemobile arrived amid rapturous joy and excitement.
The Relics were received by the Apostolic Nuncio Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto. The boys from Brunswick school sang a 'cead mile failte' and the CIE choir lead the whole congregation in a rousing chorus of hymns. One of the significant features of the arrival was that the first part of the veneration took place in the open air before starting its joyful procession to the church. The readings and prayers were lead by the members of the Legion and by the residents of both Hostels. The Papal Nuncio spoke about the importance of the message of St. Therese for our world today, a message of great simplicity; a message of trust and confidence in a God who is our loving Father. Fr. Joseph Moran O.P. National Director of the Legion of Mary, celebrated Mass that evening and Fr. Herman C.P. celebrated an early morning Mass for the residents and friends of the Legion. It was indeed a 'once in a lifetime visit' that will never be forgotten.
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Carmelite College Terenure, Thursday 3rd May.
The Carmelite College Terenure was the venue for the visit of the Relics on Thursday 3 May. The glorious sunshine, ample parking space and the large college chapel facilitated the thousands who came to welcome St.Therese to Terenure. The Carmelite College is home to over 1000 boys and they formed an impressive guard of honour along the avenue as the Thesesmobile arrived. Fr. Michael Troy, O.Carm - the readings, prayers and music provided by the combined senior and juniors' pupils, received the reliquary. Fr. Jimmy Murray, O.Carm was the principal celebrant at the evening Mass, Fr. Christopher O'Donnell, O.Carm, gave the homily. Bishop Donal Lamont celebrated the morning Mass. Great crowds continued to come all during the day and throughout the all-night vigil. Over all it was a marvellous historic occasion that will remain an abiding memory for years to come.
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ST. THERESE BEHIND BARS
Mountjoy Prison, Friday May 4th. 2001.
It was possibly the most moving stop of the nation-wide journey to date. The visit of the relics of St. Therese to Mountjoy prison offered an emotional and enlightening insight into a world behind bars.
The twenty four hour visit was an incredible one and a proud and momentous day for the 150-year-old prison which houses almost 700 prisoners in all.
With meticulous planning and a notable air or reverence and dignity, St. Therese revealed her most human qualities, those which endeared her most to the people. All were equal and all were welcome.
A team of prison officers and officials placed the 400lb casket upon a specially acquired machine which slowly raised her to a higher level to adequately accommodate her entry into the beautifully prepared church, adorned with flowers and candleholders made that very week by the prison inmates.
A steady stream of both staff and prisoners visited the Church to venerate the relics and it is estimated that the entire male contingent went at some point during the course of the day.
During the afternoon a number of the Carmelite priests gave talks on the life of St. Therese to groups of prisoners and in the evening a special Mass was held for the staff of Mountjoy and their families. The Mass was celebrated by prison Chaplain Fr. Declan Blake, alongside Fr. Philip, Fr. Eugene McCaffrey and Fr. Liam Finnerty. The ceremony was a most joyous and uplifting occasion with an excellent choir in support. Fr. Philip spoke of the global appeal of St. Therese, in particular to those who had lost their liberty. "We think of the many people within these walls and ask her to unlock the prison gates of all our hearts and set us free from all that hinders us from a greater love."
"Therese", he said, "understood all too well that none of us can achieve absolute perfection, she was very much aware of her failings and flaws - she didn't think of herself as particularly gifted, rather she trusted that God would guide her on her path."
Governor of Mountjoy prison, John Longeran, was delighted with the success of the event. "Most of the prison population came and I believe that they found something special. Particularly in the context of a prison - I think it is most appropriate for someone like Therese who felt for the most marginalized and demonised people in any country. She certainly brought peace here today and I hope it will have spin off effects for a long time to come."
"It is a very useful and solemn day for us here in the prison - and especially for the prisoners."
At ten o'clock on Friday night the relics of St. Therese were transferred to the Dochas Centre, part of the building which houses seventy female prisoners. Assistant Governor Catherine Comerford was there to welcome the crowd and the women themselves had worked hard to ensure the event went smoothly, with one painting a beautiful picture of St. Therese, alongside a cross and rose and another designing a bright welcoming banner, inscribed with the lines of their vision statement.
Following an all night vigil which saw most of the women visiting the Dochas centre, Mass was celebrated by Chaplain Fr. Eamon Crossan with a homily delivered by Fr. Eugene McCaffrey. The word 'Dochas' means 'hope' and this is precisely what the prisoners wish to gain from this historic and very special visit.
A special word of thanks to the staff of Mountjoy who were extremely kind and helpful, in particular to Governor John Longeran, Assistant Governor of the men's prison Willie Connolly, Assistant Governor of the Dochas Centre Catherine Comerford, Prison Chaplains Fr. Eamonn Crossan and Fr. Declan Blake and to prison officer Richard Keane and his colleagues.
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St.Colmkille's Carmelite Church in Knocklyon, Saturday 5th May
The highlight of the visit of St. Therese to St.Colmkille's Carmelite Church in Knocklyon was undoubtedly the televised Mass on Sunday May 6th.
This was a wonderful celebration of the life and message of St. Therese, featuring some historical background before the Mass started, the glorious singing of the Knocklyon choir, a beautiful post communion mime and reflection and a truly inspiring homily by the celebrant Fr David Weakleam, O.Carm.
On Saturday 5th there were other very moving liturgies, the special service of welcome, a healing Mass and a midnight service of prayer that continued all through the night.
It was a very special time of blessing on this 'pilgrimage of grace' that, thanks to RTE, touched the lives of countless thousands, especial the sick, who may not have had any other opportunity to experience the impact of Therese's visit to Ireland.
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Avila, Carmelite Retreat Centre Dublin. 6/7 May 2001
The sun shone gloriously during the May Bank holiday weekend for the visit of St.Therese’s Relics to the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Dublin.
Thousands visited the Centre, which was open day and night for the two-day visit. A guard of honour from Donnybrook Fire Station carried the Reliquary to the church, where it was received by the Prior Fr. Willie Moran, OCD. Veneration continued throughout the day, which included a Children’s Prayer Service by Piccolo Lasso Choir, Readings from Story of a Soul, and a sung Mass celebrated by Fr.Vincent O’Hara, OCD Provincial.
On Monday morning Bishop Martin Drennan celebrated Mass. Later on Carmel Boyle gave a beautiful presentation of music and song from her new album ‘White Wings and Roses’, based on the poetry of St. Therese.
In the afternoon there was a moving Prayer Service by the boys from St. Mary’s School Belmont, followed by a Mass for the parishioners of Donnybrook celebrated by Fr. Pat Carroll, P.P. The Avila Charismatic Prayer Group held an evening service that lead into the all-night vigil.
On Monday morning at 10.00 am the Reliquary left Avila for a two-hour visit to the adjacent Royal Hospital, where the Chaplain Fr. Enda Waters celebrated a special Mass. It was a moving sight to see so many patients in wheelchairs approaching the reliquary with such faith and devotion.
On its way to St. Teresa’s Clarendon the Theresesmobile made a unscheduled stop at St. Mary’s Centre for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Merrion Road, a stop that brought immense joy and happiness to the residents, staff and the Irish Sisters of Charity.
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Clarendon Street, St. Theresa's Carmelite Church, 8/9th May 2001
It is estimated that over 40,000 people thronged into St.Teresa's Carmelite Church Clarendon St in the centre of Dublin over the past two days to visit the relics of St.Therese. Every Mass was full to capacity and a constant stream of visitors passed by the Reliquary.
On Thursday morning a farewell Mass was celebrated by Fr. Paul Dempsey, OCD Prior of St.Teresa's before the Theresmobile left for the special Army Veneration Ceremony at the Curragh Camp, Kildare.
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Where to see the Relics over the Next Week
The relics of St. Therese will remain in Kildare at the White Abbey on Thursday and Friday, 10/11th May and will return to Dublin on Saturday 12th May. They will visit the Ven. Louis & Zeile Martin Hospice, in Blackrock on Saturday and travel to Berkeley Road Parish on Sunday (13th. May). They travel to the Carmelites at Whitefriar St. for Monday and Tuesday 14th & 15th May, travelling to the Carmelite Sisters at Firhouse on Wednesday 16th. They visit Athboy Parish Church and the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar on Thursday 17th May. They travel on to the Cathedral of Saint Mel, Longford on Friday.
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Tour Update
Preparations continue to take place at each of the tour venues - mindful of the experience we now have of the first weeks of the tour. Crowds continue to be much larger than was originally anticipated.
Sincere thanks and appreciation to the countless voluntary groups and committees around the country who are working tirelessly at local level to prepare for the visit.
Fr. Eugene McCaffrey
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Events Planned
A Shower of Roses
While interest gathers around the forthcoming arrival of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux, an energetic cast meet regularly in Cork to put the final touches to their exciting production entitled "A Shower of Roses". This contemporary presentation which captures the extraordinary life and profound message of St.Therese weaves a magical interplay of drama, mime, music and dance. This cast have come together especially for this touring production in association with the National Commission for the Relics and the CVA.
The production, which is an entirely original interpretation, is directed by Martina Lehane and musically directed by Tina Hurley.
It appears for one night only - (admission is free and all are welcome)
Kilkenny Cathedral - May 14 - Re-scheduled appearance at 8.00 p.m.
- Galway Cathedral - May 15
- Cobh Cathedral - May 31
- Cork - St. Peter and Pauls Church - June 19
- Waterford - Holy Family Parish Church - June 24
Please let us know of any event planned for your area.sttheres@indigo.ie
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Information of Interest
The Reliquary:
The Reliquary will travel in the 'Theresemobile', a specially converted Mercedes Sprinter. This has been beautifully designed and decorated as a portable shrine for the precious casket. The reliquary is 400lb in weight, 4'11 long, 3'2 wide and 2'10 tall. It is a beautiful composition of polished jacaranda, decorated with exquisite gold and silver filigree. It is permanently mounted on a wooden tray and, for security, the whole reliquary is covered with a clear, permanent, plexiglas cover.
The reliquary will be placed in a prominent place in each location, so that it can be easily seen and is readily accessible to all.
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 "Pilgrimage of Grace"
The "vision statement" of the organizing committee for the visit hopes that 'her visit will help individuals and groups to grasp the life and teaching of St. Therese and help them consider and renew their own journey to God in faith'. One of the principal ways of doing so is to pray for the success of the visit and to attend the Triduum of preparation that may be taking place is your own area.
It is also recommended to read Therese's own autobiography 'Story of a Soul', a book that has been a religious bestseller since it was first published in 1898.
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 Bookshop
A mobile Bookshop will be present at most venues. The shop will carry a large selection of books on St.Therese, videos and audio cassettes, full colour block mounts, prayers cards and bookmarks and a number of souvenir items specially produced to honour the visit.
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