Anticipation is growing for an exciting event in the life of our diocese later this year. From Saturday 3^rd to Monday 5^th October the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be at Leeds Cathedral. Throughout the visit, the Cathedral will remain open for all who wish to honour the saint and request her prayers.

 

On 22^nd January 2009, representatives from parishes, schools and Catholic organisations and associations were invited to attend a meeting to prepare for the visit. Fr. John Wilson (Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation) welcomed everyone present. He explained that the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux would be visiting England and Wales between the 16^th September and the 16^th October this year and would be in our diocese at Leeds Cathedral from Saturday 3^rd October to Monday 5^th October. He went on to say that Bishop Roche has established a working party to prepare for the visit and the meeting was the first opportunity to broaden out the consultation and preparation for the visit.  Fr. Wilson added that he hoped that the visit will be an incredible source of renewal, as has been the case in the other 40 countries that the relics have visited.

 

Fr. Wilson introduced the working party which includes Fr. Matthew Habron who will take forward the liturgical preparation for the visit; Fr. Michael McLaughlin, the Assistant Priest and MC at the Cathedral and responsible for the logistics of the visit and Mrs Josephine Stow who will oversee the preparation of materials for schools and parishes. Finally, Mrs Janine Garnett, the Administrator for the Vicariate for Evangelisation, Miss Anna Cowell and Fr. Stephen Webb from the Diocesan Youth Service were introduced. Miss Cowell and Fr. Webb will prepare materials for secondary schools and young people.

 

Fr. Wilson then gave a short presentation on the life of St Thérèse and highlighted the implications of the visit and what it means for us as individuals and more specifically, as a Diocese.  The presentation showed that the relics have brought conversion and return to faith, healing and a renewed sense of vocation in the countries that have already been visited.  Fr. Wilson added that Bishop Roche is the Patron for the visit of the relics. Bishop Roche said of the forthcoming visit:

“St. Thérèse is a much-loved saint all over the world, but nowhere more than in Britain. There will be widespread joy among Catholics that her relics are to visit our country, along with an expectation of many graces to be received. But this visit is for all Christians; and indeed people of any faith or none will be most welcome to come in pilgrimage to pray at Thérèse’s side. I pray that this Visit will help many people to find their way to God, and help our society to find the way to true peace through justice and compassion for all.”

 

The members of the working party outlined broad plans for the visit. Fr. McLaughlin appealed for help, explaining that there is much work that needs to be done before the arrival of the relics and that a small group cannot achieve this alone.  He invited those present to ask the question, “How do we prepare to welcome the relics to ensure we get as much as possible from the weekend?” There was opportunity for discussion and questions from the floor were posed. Those attending registered their interest and left their comments and questions in writing.

 

To view the minutes of the meeting and comments, visit the Leeds Diocesan Website and follow the link. (The St Thérèse website is not online at present, but will be in the near future.) If you do not have internet access, please contact Mrs Janine Garnett to receive a copy in the post. The working party invite those who were unable to attend the meeting, but would like to offer help or ideas to contact:

Mrs Janine Garnett

62 Headingley Lane, Leeds. LS6 2BX

0113 2618040

janine.garnett@dioceseofleeds.org.uk