The National Shrine of the Little Flower
St. Thérèse has always been one of my favourite saints because of her childlike simplicity and her absolute love of Christ. Thérèse, who entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux age 15 in 1888, was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17 1925. Had she lived she would have been 52 years old when she was declared a Saint. Tragically Thérèse died age just 24 on 30 September 1897, after years of struggle with tuberculosis.
My ‘forever friend’ Barb took me over to the States for a special lunch together but since we were early she first took me to the gorgeous shrine of this saint who viewed herself as ‘the little flower’.
In the first photo above you can see Detroit from Windsor. In the next 2 photos we are IN Detroit.
The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica.
We parked behind the church and were encouraged to enter at the back of the basilica. There was so much to see before we even entered the main body of the basilica. On our way in we passed a beautiful fountain sculpted in the image of the “little flower” then, upon entering we passed by the lovely little gift shop (in which we purchased a few treasures on the way out), priest vestments upon which you can see her image, relics, statues, and pretty gardens to be witnessed through the windows.
The main body of the church was of stunning beauty and almost seemed like a theatre….everyone would have an excellent view of the altar as the church was round.
There were at least 8 -10 chapels around the circumference of the room and each one held priceless statues , artwork, and carvings. Below you can see Jesus, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, St. Perpetua, and a pretty chapel with St. Thérèsa at the foot of the cross.
We totally enjoyed checking out the whole facility, said a prayer or two, and even lit a candle to accompany our prayers in yet another gorgeous chapel.
The Little Flower’s words of wisdom were all around the room and gave us something to ponder in our own hearts as we took our leave and headed out to our next destination.
To be continued…….