During the General Audience on Wednesday, June 7, in Saint Peter’s Square, the Holy Father not only imparted the weekly catechesis but he also spoke about one of the greatest “witnesses” of apostolic zeal, and talked with her. Because in the parvis of Saint Peter’s Square was the urn with the mortal remains of one of the most known and loved Saints of the Catholic world: Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
She was a French Carmelite, and is the universal Patroness of the Missions, as well as one of the Saints to whom Pope Francis himself has personal devotion. In fact, the Pope approached the urn and gave her flowers, recollected himself in prayer and dedicated the weekly catechesis to her.
Saint Thérèse wasn’t alone in Saint Peter’s Square. The mortal remains of her parents were also there, who, like her, are Saints.
In the context of the 150th anniversary of Saint Thérèse’s birth, the Holy Father announced that he intends to dedicate an Apostolic Letter to her.