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Saint's relics on view at convent
THOUSANDS of Catholics from miles around are expected to flock to a little-known convent in Sheffield on Monday to view the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux.
The bodily remains of the French Carmelite nun, who died of TB aged 24 in 1897, will be on display at Kirk Edge Monastery in High Bradfield for just three hours on Monday, from noon to 3pm.
The convent is as closeted as the saint is revered – just 11 Carmelite nuns live at Kirk Edge, where they attend chapel seven times a day, spend all day in silence, and shun modern trappings.
So far the relics – a glass bubble around a golden casket containing bones from St Thrse's thigh and foot – have been seen by more than 68,000 people in cities including Portsmouth and Liverpool who queued around the block to be near them. They arrive in Leeds on Saturday.
The remains have been credited with promoting healing and reconciliation, and St Thrse was described by Pope Pius X as "the greatest saint of modern times" and is also known as The Little Flower of Jesus. She came to prominence after her autobiography was published and was made a saint in 1925, only 28 years after her death.
Prioress of Kirk Edge, Sister Mary of the Resurrection, a member for 61 years, said Monday would be a "big event" and "a joy".
She said: "We were surprised but very privileged to be chosen. We thought the relics would go to the cathedral in Sheffield. We revere St Thrse and live by her teaching, but we want the whole diocese to be included. We've already had enquiries from as far away as Oxford."
The Bishop of Hallam, the Rt Rev John Rawsthorne, said: "We have a great tradition of the veneration of remains of saints. It reminds us of the person and their dedication to God.
"Although they are only at Kirk Edge for a short time I think people will travel to see them."
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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