Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux and Sts Zelie and Louis Martin Arrive in Sydney: A Family Tour of Holiness

The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents, Sts Zelie and Louis Martin, have arrived in Sydney, sparking a wave of excitement and veneration among Australian Catholics. The relics, including a first-class relic of St Thérèse, are set to tour Australia for the next four months, giving believers the opportunity to connect with these holy figures.

For many Catholics, relics hold a special significance, serving as a tangible link to the saints and their holiness. Angela Grounds, who received a set of Rosary beads containing a third-class relic of St Thérèse from her mother, treasures this family heirloom and plans to pass it on to her daughter. The mysterious origins of the beads hint at a possible connection to St Thérèse’s mother, St Zelie Guerin Martin, adding to their value and significance.

Bishop Greg Homeming, a member of the same Carmelite order as St Thérèse, explains the practice of venerating relics as a way to connect with the goodness and holiness of the saints. The relics of St Thérèse and her parents serve as a reminder that holiness is not isolated but often stems from familial connections and influences.

As the relics make their way across Australia, believers are invited to reflect on the example set by the Martin family and draw inspiration from their lives of holiness and goodness. The visit of these relics serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the impact of living according to higher values.