Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower
United States·San Antonio·Archdiocese of San Antonio
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse Church, is a historic Catholic church in San Antonio, Texas. Dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, it is a significant minor basilica in the United States, celebrated for its art, craftsmanship, and relics, constructed during the Great Depression as a testament to faith.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the basilica took place between 1929 and 1931, during the Great Depression.
- ›It is dedicated to St. Thérèse de Lisieux, known as 'the Little Flower' of Jesus.
- ›The basilica houses significant relics of St. Thérèse, as well as her parents, Saints Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin.
- ›A treasured artwork is a painting of St. Thérèse, based on a model created by her sister, Céline Martin.
- ›The church is one of 84 minor basilicas in the United States and one of four in Texas.
ThéRèSe of Lisieux, Louis Martin, Marie-AzéLie GuéRin
- First-Class Relics of St. ThéRèSe
- First-Class Relics of Sts. Louis Martin and Marie-AzéLie GuéRin
Discalced Carmelites
About Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, also referred to as Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse Church, is a significant Catholic church located in San Antonio, Texas. It holds the distinction of being one of the 84 minor basilicas within the United States and is one of only four such basilicas in the state of Texas. The basilica is dedicated to St. Thérèse de Lisieux of the Child Jesus, affectionately known as "The Little Flower" of Jesus.
History and Construction
The cornerstone of this remarkable edifice was laid on October 15, 1929, and construction continued through 1931, a period coinciding with the Great Depression. Despite its relatively recent construction, the basilica is noted for its uncharacteristic artistic quality and master craftsmanship. The Discalced Carmelite Friars began ministering to the local parish community in San Antonio in 1926, and the basilica stands today as a testament to the profound faith of St. Thérèse's devotees worldwide.
Art and Relics
A particularly treasured artwork is a painting of St. Thérèse, which was a gift from the Carmel of Lisieux to the friars in San Antonio in 1927. This painting is based on a model created by St. Thérèse's sister, Céline Martin (Sister Genevieve of the Holy Face), for the Vatican during the saint's canonization process. The basilica is also a sanctuary for important religious relics. It safeguards three first-class relics of St. Thérèse herself, with two housed within her tomb chapel. Furthermore, the basilica holds first-class relics of St. Thérèse's parents, Saints Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin, which were first exposed for public veneration on the day of their canonization in Rome in 2015. These relics were a gift from the Discalced Carmelite nuns of Lafayette, Louisiana.
Significance
As a minor basilica, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower possesses an elevated ecclesiastical status, with its church throne symbolically representing a papal throne. This original throne has been utilized by various visiting prelates for over seven decades, including archbishops and auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of San Antonio for significant liturgical events such as feast day Masses and ordinations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower built?
Construction of the basilica began with the solemn blessing and laying of the cornerstone on October 15, 1929, and was completed in 1931, during the Great Depression.
What makes this basilica significant?
Its significance lies in its dedication to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, its role as a national shrine, its impressive collection of art and master craftsmanship, and its housing of precious relics of St. Thérèse and her parents. It is also one of the few minor basilicas in the United States.
What relics are housed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower?
The basilica is a repository for three first-class relics of St. Thérèse, with two located within her tomb chapel. It also safeguards first-class relics of her parents, Saints Louis and Marie-Azélie Guérin.
What is the origin of the painting of St. Thérèse in the basilica?
The painting is based on a model created by Céline Martin, St. Thérèse's sister, at the request of the Vatican during Thérèse's canonization process. Several copies were made, with the basilica's painting being one of them, gifted to the friars of San Antonio.
What is the ecclesiastical significance of being a minor basilica?
When a church is elevated to the status of a minor basilica, its ecclesiastical throne symbolically becomes a papal throne. This throne has been used by various prelates, including archbishops and auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, for special liturgies.
Related Basilicas
National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica
The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica is a Catholic church in Royal Oak, Michigan, renowned for its striking Art Deco architecture. Constructed between 1931 and 1936, its development was largely funded by the radio ministry of Father Charles Coughlin. The church was designated a minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2015 and is recognized as a national shrine by the United States Bishops' Conference.
Basilica of St Therese of the Child Jesus
The Basilica of St Therese of the Child Jesus is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located in Cairo, Egypt, dedicated to Thérèse of Lisieux. Constructed in 1931-1932, it serves as a significant pilgrimage site, with hundreds of votive tablets in its crypt attesting to the saint's intercession. The basilica holds importance for both Egyptian Catholics and Copts.
Basilica of St Fidelis
The Basilica of St. Fidelis, also known as the Cathedral of the Plains, is a Romanesque-style Catholic parish church located in Victoria, Kansas. It was constructed between 1908 and 1911 and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2014. Its impressive architecture and prominent location have made it a significant landmark in western Kansas.