One hundred years after her canonization, the legacy of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux lives on. In 2025, she is remembered not only as a saint, but as a spiritual guide whose “Little Way” continues to inspire.
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The late Pope Francis shared a deep spiritual bond with the Carmelite saint, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. He welcomed her relics on multiple occasions, one of which during a General Audience in June 2023:
“Here before us are the relics of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the universal patroness of missions. Today, let us be inspired by the witness of little Thérèse.”
One year later the relics of the saint came once more to Rome, but as a part of a broader initiative tied to the Jubilee Year.
Pope Francis cordially greeted, “the French-speaking pilgrims, especially the students of the various schools in Paris and Dijon, as well as the faithful accompanying the relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.”
Fr. Fabrice du Hays, Rector of the Church Trinità dei Monti, explains, “The plan of the Vatican was to have a church dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, and since she’s a French saint and here is a French church, the Vatican asked us if it would be possible to welcome the relics for the Jubilee year.”
The Church of Trinità dei Monti, perched above the iconic Spanish Steps, is one of Rome’s most visited landmarks, drawing thousands of tourists daily with its iconic view.
Yet beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, many visitors are surprised to discover the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux inside. This unexpected encounter often transforms a touristic stop into a moment of spiritual reflection and prayer.
Fr. Fabrice notes, “Most of the people who enter the church did not come for the relics, some come because they are on a pilgrimage, but what is very, very beautiful is that they get touched by the simplicity of Saint Therese. She was a poor person and had trust in God and God made great things out of her. So, whenever people come in and we explain it to them they are very touched by her and we give the opportunity to people to write their intention of prayer on a paper and put them in front of the relics and every day we collect hundreds of these papers. So, it’s quite amazing how they do not come for the relics, but at the end they come and pray for a while with the relics.”
More than a tourist destination, Trinità dei Monti is woven into the spiritual story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. It was here, as a young girl visiting Rome, that she felt a stirring of the vocation that would define her life and legacy.
Fr. Fabrice further details, “This is not the first time that St. Therese is coming to Trinità dei Monti,” Father She came here physically when she made her pilgrimage in Rome, because when she was 15 years old, she went with her father here in Rome to ask the Pope the possibility to enter in the convent with 15 years and she came frequently to the Chapel “Mater Admirabilis.” And I think St. Therese she was 15 years old, seeing this picture of the Virgin Mary, which is painted as a teenager, was probably a great help for her to pray.”
The Church will play a special role in the Jubilee of Families, taking place from May 30th to June 2nd, 2025. As part of the official pilgrimage route, the church will highlight the saint’s enduring message of trust, simplicity, and love within family life.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Produced by Andrea Manna, Camera by Alberto Basile, Special thanks & Credits: The Church and Convent of Trinità dei Monti
