St. Therese of Lisieux, More of a Missionary than Ever, Visits the Philippines

St. Therese’s visit was organized for the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, and in preparation for the celebration in 2021 of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country.

The Filipinos warmly welcomed the relics of St. Therese on February 18 in Manila, with a shower of red and white rose petals. The faithful greeted the reliquary at its entrance into the church of San Fernando in Dilao, waving yellow flags.

Fr. Rolando dela Cruz said the parishioners felt honored to have been chosen as one of the places to receive the relics. “This day is precious because God showed us His love," said the priest in his homily. "May your visit bring us real conversion, repentance, and new life," he added. 

St. Therese’s relics will remain in the Philippines until May 31, visiting the country’s different dioceses. The reliquary, also called the “Centennial Reliquary" because it was made during the centenary of her death in 1997, was a gift from the dioceses of Brazil. It travels around the world in answer to requests from bishops.

May the intercession of the Patroness of the Missions lead many souls to the Mass she knew and loved, and to sanctify themselves as she did in the religious life.

In the Philippines, the SSPX has priories in Manila and Davao, and also services Butuan City, Bacolod, Bato-Leyte, Cagayan De Oro, and General Santos. On the island of Iloilo, the St. Bernard Novitiate receives vocations to the SSPX Brothers and seminarians, and the House of Bethany prepares young ladies for the religious life. In the country’s capital, Our Lady of Victory School provides a Catholic education for the children of the mission.