Thousands turn out to see relics of St. Therese of Lisieux

The young French saint's relics went on display Sunday at the Little Flower Church in southeast Reno.

Mass was held again Monday and Monsignor Robert Bowling was to lead a special departing procession as the relics continued on a tour of the region.

"We just had to come," said Nancy Bergan of Gardnerville, who with her mother, Jean Kwandras, attended Mass at Little Flower Church in southeast Reno.

"We have always loved her," Kwandras said. "When Nancy was about a year old, she was very ill and I prayed to St. Therese. Were both here today to give her our thanks."

Velda Wild was among two dozen parishioners from St. Joseph's Church in Elko who made the trip to Reno for the special occasion, along with her three daughters.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said. "My mother was named for her and I've always prayed to her."

The worldwide popularity of St. Therese of Lisieux comes despite her life of anonymity. She died of tuberculosis in 1897 at age 24 after spending nine years of her life as a Carmelite nun.

"For us in northern Nevada, this is a very significant event," said Bishop Phillip Straling of the Diocese of Reno.

"My own love for the saint goes back to my own parents and to reading her book while in the seminary. People can identify with her. She did the ordinary things of life extraordinarily well," he said.

The relics, three bones in a Plexiglas-protected jacaranda wood box, inspired tears of joy among many of the faithful as Catholic priests and members of lay societies led a procession into the church.

"It is a miracle that we get to share her presence and ask for Gods help," said Robin Conti of Lyon County, who attended Mass with her husband, Joe, and her children. "This is an opportunity for our children and ourselves that well never get to share again."

After the service, more than 3,500 people shuffled to the reliquary to show their devotion. Some kissed the Plexiglas, others touched their hands or holy cards to the glass. Most made the sign of the cross. Many shuddered with emotion. Some wept.

"I've never seen my dad cry," said Angel Baca, 6, of Sacramento. "Is the box magic?"

"No," answered his father, James. "It is the resting place of St. Therese. She was beloved of God and now she is with him in heaven. When we ask her for help, she asks God, and how can he refuse one who loves him so much?"

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