St. Thérèse’s relics begin tour of US with stop at Michigan parish named for beloved French nun

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The Rev. John Bettin, rector of the National Shrine of The Little Flower Basilica, looks at a relic of St. Thrse of Lisieux inside the basilica Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Royal Oak, Mich. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The sacred bones of a much-loved French Carmelite nun began a tour of the U.S. on Wednesday at a suburban Detroit parish named in her honor.

Nicole Scheier was among those who arrived hours ahead of the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

“St. Thérèse is a saint for everybody. She is relatable. She teaches that sainthood is attainable, doing small things with great love,” Scheier said after pausing before a statue of St. Thérèse outside the National Shrine of The Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Mich