Tonight:
5°c
Thousands flock to St Therésè relics
Peter Dominiczak13 Oct 2009
Thousands of pilgrims queued for hours at Westminster Cathedral for the chance to see the relics of a 19th century French nun.
The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Catholic Carmelite nun who died in 1897 and is known for her posthumous autobiography The Story Of A Soul, are at the cathedral until Thursday. More than 100,000 candles and 50,000 pink roses have been ordered with 2,000 pilgrims an hour expected to venerate the relics which are on a month-long tour.
Sister Norma Lynch, of the Sisters of Mercy in Highbury, said of her visit to the relics: "It has been a once in a lifetime experience."
Reader views (7)
I have mixed feeling about relics but, as a Catholic, I understand the sense of oneness we have as the people of God with those alive and dead. We live in a multi-dimensional existence and I am happy to feel one with those great souls who have gone before us to the Throne of God.
- John, london, 14/10/2009 20:13
Report abuse
Does anybody have an idea of queue times in the late evening?
- Sinead, Harrow, 14/10/2009 12:06
Report abuse
Totally agree with Kerry and Jan!
- Nowan King, London, 14/10/2009 11:05
Report abuse
Went with my parish today who had pre-booked so I was fortunate not to have to queue, though an overzealous Westminster Council traffic warden tried to slap a ticket on our coach just as a group of nuns accompanying us were boarding! Other than that, it was a truly awesome experience. It's hard to put to words the feeling. Amazing to see so many people in total reverence, especially children as they prayed at the side of the casket. The visit is all thanks to the Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor who requested that the relics come to England.
- Eileen, London, 13/10/2009 21:58
Report abuse
deluded idiots
- Kerry, Purley, 13/10/2009 21:39
Report abuse
What century are we living in? I cannot believe that in this day and age there are still people falling for this religious clap-trap. Unbelieveable!
- Jan, Exeter, Devon, England, 13/10/2009 19:26
Report abuse
I thought I'd pop down to the cathedral as I sometimes do in my lunch hour - but I would advise that if you are short of time, don't even think about it as the wait time is at least two hours and probably closer to four, with the queue snaking all the way down Ambrosden Avenue. I couldn't even get into 1pm mass (usual attendance fewer than 50) due to another queue which had formed and was going back as far as Archbishop House.
- Blue Baby, London, 13/10/2009 15:06
Report abuse
