Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower

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This Roman Catholic church, located in San Antonio, Texas, USA, is dedicated to Ste. Thérèse de Lisieux of the Child Jesus, and bears her nickname, "The Little Flower" of Jesus. Its remarkable edifice and accompanying works of religious art are uniquely uncharacteristic of its relatively recent construction. It is also distinguished as one of only a handful of church buildings in North America (and one of only three in the state of Texas) bearing the papal designation of "minor basilica."

The Basilica is a treasury of art, master craftsmanship and relics. The Discalced Carmelite Friars began serving the surrounding parish community in San Antonio in the late 1920's. The Basilica was constructed during the Great Depression (1929-1931) and today stands as a monument to the great faith of devotees of Ste. Thérèse from throughout the United States and world. Currently the Basilica is undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration campaign to restore this beautiful spiritual and historic landmark to its original splendor and glory. Perhaps the most treasured work of art at the basilica is a painting of Ste. Thérèse created by the saint's own natural blood sister, Céline (Sr. Geneviève of the Holy Face). This very painting was used in the canonization ceremony for Ste. Thérèse in Rome in 1927. It is 7 ft wide by 10 ft tall, and is located in the baptistery in the vestibule of the church. This painting was part of the procession at the saint's canonization.

Now that the National Shrine of the Little Flower has been joined to the ranks of a minor basilica, the church's ecclesiastical throne has become, symbolically, a papal throne. The throne is original to the Basilica and has been used by various visiting prelates for over 70 years. Most recently it has been used by the Archbishop and auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of San Antonio during special liturgies, such as feast day Masses and ordinations at the Basilica.

The church is located at 906 Kentucky Ave., San Antonio, TX 78201, USA. For information call: (210) 735-9126.