Pope’s Basilica to celebrate Corpus Christi with relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux

By Rechilda Estores 

Tomorrow, 10 June 2023, at 3:00 PM, the relics of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus and her parents Louis and Zelia Martin will be displayed at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to be venerated by the faithful.

Monsignor Valentino Miserachs, the Canon of Liberian Basilica, will lead the singing of first vespers (evening prayers) at 5:00PM which will be followed by a Mass presided by Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Chapter and the Basilica.

"The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore,” Monsignor Makrickas said, “historically a place of spiritual importance, opens to the faithful with joy, welcoming all those who wish to participate in these moments of profound faith".

On the next day, 11 June 2023, the Community will gather at 5:00 PM for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in the Basilica for vespers, which will be followed by a Solemn Mass at 6:00 PM presided by Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

A procession with the Blessed Sacrament will travel around the route of Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Via dell'Esquilino, Piazza dell'Esquilino, Via Liberiana and back to Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore where a Solemn Eucharistic Blessing will be imparted.

The Liberian Chapter and the parish and religious communities of the areas will participate, while the liturgy will be led by the Almo Collegio Capranica and the Venerable Cappella Musicale Liberiana.

The exhibition of the relics of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus and her parents, together with the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, is an occasion for the Catholic community in Rome to strengthen their faith and devotion.