Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides)- The relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux arrive today 25 June, at the Carmelite Convent in Benoni, Johannesburg, where they will be welcomed by the clergy of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, the community of Carmelite Sisters and members of the Catholic Order of the Knights of de Gama.
The reliquary containing some mortal remains of the patron Saint of Missions, will be carried in solemn procession along a path strewn with rose petals, to the Convent Chapel where they will remain for veneration until 28 June, when they will be moved to the church of Geluksdal, the next lap of a three month tour of South Africa.
Fr. Vusi Sokhela, who organised the pilgrimage of the relics, hopes that many young South Africans will take Saint Therese of Lisieux, "as a model, since we have no South African saints. Perhaps one day, who knows, thanks to this visit, the relics of a South African Saint will be taken on tour in France”.
In the coming twelve weeks the relics will be venerated in 24 different churches, convents and other institutions. The places of visit will include Casa Madre Teresa, an Old Peoples Home in Yeoville (23 August); Regina Mundi church Soweto, where busloads of school children will take part in prayers (26 August) and on 10 July, the Catholic Cathedral of Johannesburg, in Doornfontein, during an evening prayer vigil on the eve of the World Cup Final. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/6/2010)
