On Thursday 16th April the Relics of St. Thérèse made a return visit to the Carmelite Monastery.    The grounds of the Convent were decorated with bunting and freshly planted pansies peeped up around the gardens.   Inside the Chapel the excitement and anticipation was barely contained as the Sisters prepared for 10am Mass on Thursday morning.   

The little grey van carrying the casket, expected at 4pm, arrived early around 3.45pm, catching everybody by surprise but the Chapel soon filled up and the congregation filed past.   The Convent remained open throughout the night and the Sisters and a few visitors kept vigil.   There was a most beautiful relaxing atmosphere and nobody wanted to leave, even the smallest children seemed to sense something special was happening as they sat and watched with eager eyes.  

Next morning 10am Mass was celebrated by Fr. P.J. Breen, O.Carm, and once again the Chapel was filled to overflowing.   He gave a final blessing for all who had roses and as the congregation held up the roses it was apparent that, despite all the recent sad disclosures, a deep faith still prevails.   

As the Sisters walked ahead of the little van to the Monastery gates with the congregation walking behind people tried to hide their emotions and all too quickly The Little Flower was on her way to bring peace and contentment to Delgany.   St. Thérèse of Lisieux died on the 30th September 1897 and is fulfilling her promise to “spend my Heaven doing good upon earth”.

Photograph courtesy of Rudolf Dorrepaal