St Thérèse arrives in Sydney, but where are her parents?
The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux spent a warm first night in Sydney ahead of their Australian pilgrimage, but the relics of her parents Louis and Zélie still had not arrived in the country.
The Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux arrived in Sydney Thursday morning and were safely received by representatives from InvoCare and their subsidiary, WN Bull Funerals. They are currently at the Carmel Varroville, where they will remain in situ before a welcome mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at midday Saturday.
St Thérèse is due to be accompanied by the relics of her parents, Sts Louis and Zélie Martin, throughout the four-month pilgrimage. However, Catholic Mission and InvoCare were informed by Singapore Airlines that a logistical issue prevented the relics from arriving on Thursday morning’s incoming flight.
Catholic Mission and InvoCare are closely monitoring the situation and working with Singapore Airlines to ensure the secure and timely arrival to Sydney of Sts Louis and Zélie Martin.
Despite the unexpected delay, Father Brian Lucas, National Director of Catholic Mission, said the arrival of St Thérèse is a welcome sight for Catholics in Australia. ‘After two years of preparation and eighteen years since her last visit, Australians now have the opportunity to express devotion for St Thérèse by visiting venues around the country that are hosting her relics.’
The full itinerary can be found on Catholic Mission’s website, as well as devotional resources, prayers and a song composed by Richard Cootes, which is freely available for use by schools and communities during the pilgrimage.
For more information on the Pilgrimage of St Thérèse and her parents, Sts Louis and Zélie Martin, including the itinerary and resources, head to the official pilgrimage site.
Media contacts:
Catholic Mission: Matthew Poynting | 0429 085 010 | media@catholicmission.org.au
InvoCare: Jacinta Gale | 0422 841 185 | Jacinta.Gale@invocare.com.au