Remains of saint draw the faithful to cathedral
She died more than a century ago, but Saint Thérèse pulled in huge crowds when her sacred remains arrived in Portsmouth.
Crowds of worshippers gathered in the morning sunshine, necks arched to catch a glimpse of the relics at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral.
They arrived in a small, black Citron van, which pulled up at a side entrance to the cathedral on Edinburgh Road, Landport.
Parishioners were ushered in to lift the casket slowly out of the vehicle and carry it in to the cathedral.
They were quickly followed by the many excited people who had travelled from far and wide to share in the occasion.
Portsmouth is the first city in the country to play host to St Thrse's remains, preserved after her death from tuberculosis aged 24 in 1897.
The relics, which have been credited with promoting healing and reconciliation, drew huge crowds yesterday at the start of a month-long tour of England and Wales.
As a child, Thrse drew a map of England and on it named two cities – Portsmouth and London – which is where the tour begins and ends.
Hundreds of people queued in the aisles of St John's Cathedral to pray in front of the remains, some reaching out to touch the casing before blessing themselves.
Bishop Crispian Hollis, Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, said: 'It's a big day for us. When the remains arrived, it was just so exciting. I expect there to be thousands of people coming to the cathedral in the 24 hours she's here.'
It was standing room only at a service to welcome the French saint, with more than 600 people cramming in to the large cathedral.
Meanwhile, coachloads of worshippers continued to arrive outside – much to the excitement of those tasked with stewarding the event.
One helper, Helen Goodwin, 70, of Grove Road North, Southsea, said: 'I've been coming here since 1982 and I've never seen it so busy. I had no idea so many people would come to see her. It's like she's here with us alive. The atmosphere is just incredible.'
For the past 12 years the casket containing the relics of St Thrse of Lisieux has toured the world, drawing crowds wherever it goes.
Many ailing pilgrims believe they have been healed after coming into close contact with casket.
Paul Hooker, 69, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, came with his family from Yapton near Bognor Regis.
He said: 'I came here today to see all I could manage to. I hope she remembers this day for some time and I can gain strength from her teachings.'
David Boushel, 45, from Hornchurch in Essex, said: 'When you're in front of a relic it helps focus your mind. I prayed for members of my family with health problems.'
Elaine Quinn, 84, had travelled from Maidenhead. She said: 'I've come to pray for my daughter who has got breast cancer and for my son who has just had a heart operation. I hope my prayers will see them well.'
There was a farewell mass at 10am today and the relics were back on the road to Plymouth Cathedral this afternoon.
SAINTLY SOUL
St Thrse, a French Carmelite nun, was born in Alenon, Normandy, and entered a Carmelite convent in Lisieux, aged 15.
She died of tuberculosis in 1897 aged 24 and found fame after her autobiography The Story of a Soul was published.
St Thrse said she intended to use her time in heaven to do good on earth, and she was considered to be an effective bridge to God.
She was canonised in 1925 and was described by Pope Pius X as 'the greatest saint of modern times'. Her remains have been touring the world for the past 12 years and always draw a huge crowd.
In the hope of averting the Iraq conflict, her remains were taken to Baghdad seven years ago and part of the relics have been sent into orbit.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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