By Jacob Plante - Florida Catholic
A replica of the body of St. Therese of Lisieux is displayed in a glass case at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood. The church received a visit from the relics of its patroness Dec. 7, 2025.
Bishop Fernando Isern, bishop emeritus of Pueblo, Colorado, incenses the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux during a Mass at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, Dec. 7, 2025.
Congregants venerate the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, Dec. 7, 2025.
A family venerates the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, Dec. 7, 2025.
Bishop Fernando Isern, bishop emeritus of Pueblo, Colorado, celebrates Mass with the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, Dec. 7, 2025. Next to him is Deacon Aristedes Lima.
Congregants venerate the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, Dec. 7, 2025.
Photography: JACOB PLANTE | FC
HOLLYWOOD | After visiting the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School and St. Augustine Parish in Miami, the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux concluded their visit to the Archdiocese of Miami with public veneration and a bilingual Mass at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, Dec. 7, 2025.
Parishioners and devotees of all ages gathered at the church to venerate the relics, approaching the large reliquary to pray and place religious items, such as rosaries and holy cards, against the glass case.
“What an honor for us to be accompanied by this gift that is our lovely Thérèse,” said Retired Bishop Fernando Isern of Pueblo, Colorado. Bishop Isern celebrated the solemn Mass and repeatedly emphasized the saint’s role as a “powerful intercessor”.
George Gutierrez, state president of Knights on Bikes Florida, attended the Mass in uniform alongside his fellow motorcyclists. Gutierrez described the experience as a “profound honor and sacred privilege.”
He added, “The Knights on Bikes and the Knights of Columbus feel deeply united with the Little Flower’s ‘Little Way,’ striving—just as she taught—to offer small acts of love, humility and kindness for the glory of God.”
Transitional Deacon Aristedes Lima served at the Mass, crediting St. Thérèse with guiding his discernment to the priesthood.
“She helped me at the beginning of my journey to seminary by answering a novena prayer asking for guidance in discernment with a shower of roses,” said Deacon Lima. “Now here she is again as I near the end of my seminary studies and formation, with her presence and prayers.”
He said the occasion was “a providential encounter” and a full-circle moment in his life.
The presence of St. Thérèse’s relics here in the Archdiocese of Miami has been a significant moment in the spiritual lives of her many devotees in the community, and though they now make their way back to Lisieux, this visit will be long-remembered by those whose lives she has touched.
Photographer: JACOB PLANTE | FC
Congregants venerate the relics of St ThŽrse of Lisieux at Little Flower Parish in Hollywood on December 7th, 2025.
