An autumn celebration for the Feast of Thérèse of Lisieux

Posted

BURRILLIVLLE — St. Thérèse Church and Shrine of the Little Flower, a mission of Our Lady of Good Help, celebrated the Feast of Thérèse of Lisieux for the 98th time in early October with an afternoon of devotions, a community meal and Holy Mass.
Long time shrine and Our Lady of Good Help parishioners prayed together with the faithful from as far away as Pennsylvania who found themselves part of the event when they discovered the shrine online. Cathy H., a visitor from Port Jervis, Pennsylvania, was driving to Maine to spend time with family when she discovered the Shrine on TripAdvisor.
“I read about it online and thought we had to stop here,” she said. “It was just so lucky for us to arrive during your devotions for the Feast! We are definitely going to be late to my sisters’.”
Pilgrims completed the Way of the Cross led by longtime shrine convent resident, Sister Grace Coffey, and the shrine choir sang vespers afterward. Visitors visited the newly revamped bookstore, which has begun to carry a selection of St. Thérèse’s books including her prayers, poetry and plays. Volunteers served a light supper in the church hall basement with pizza, salads and the shrine’s famous “angel eggs.”
Parishioners and pilgrims gathered in the vestibule of the church to process around the grounds hosting the shrine’s treasured relics.
Dawn C., who has been participating in the procession dressed as St. Zelie Martin, for several years said, “I’m just happy to do it, it’s always such a lovely experience.”
Father Steven Dandeneau of St. Eugene’s parish celebrated Mass following the procession and the shrine shared blessed roses with its visitors as the sun sank in a blaze of pink and orange over the fields.
The Shrine of the Little Flower is located at 35 Dion Drive in Harrisville, Rhode Island, just off Route 102. The shrine, a mission church of Our Lady of Good Help Parish, has much to offer. Holy sites include the outdoor church of St. Thérèse, the Holy Stairs, Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk and much more. To learn more, visit burrillvillecatholic.org/shrine-home.