🌸 Basilica of St. Thérèse, Lisieux
France
About This Sacred Site
The Basilica of St. Thérèse in Lisieux is the second-most visited pilgrimage site in France after Lourdes. Built between 1929 and 1954, the massive Romano-Byzantine basilica honors Thérèse Martin, a Carmelite nun who died at age 24 and was canonized in 1925. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, describing her 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood, became one of the most widely read spiritual works of the 20th century. The basilica's interior is decorated with stunning mosaics depicting scenes from her life.
Key Facts
- •Second-most visited pilgrimage site in France after Lourdes
- •St. Thérèse was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997, one of only four women with that title
- •The basilica was consecrated in 1954 and is one of the largest 20th-century churches
- •Thérèse's relics have traveled to over 60 countries, drawing millions of devotees
- •Her 'Little Way' of doing small things with great love influenced countless believers
Location
Coordinates: 49.1432, 0.2268
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