Planning began over a year ago with Discalced Carmelite and Theology Professor of Practice Father Steven Payne, OCD, who was then-director of the Carmelite Center. Melissa Buttner, program manager for the Center, organized teams of volunteers and managed many of the logistical details for three full days of events, including the provision of thousands of prayer cards and 1,500 roses for the campus community and the public.
“It's quite striking, on an occasion like this, to hear so many people recounting how Thérèse has touched their lives,” said Father Payne as he reflected on the weekend. “People are struggling with so many burdens these days, and they feel that she is someone who will listen, who will walk with them, who will give them the support of her prayers and her love.”
The campus community’s presence was felt throughout the weekend. The first stop for the relics was Theological College on Wednesday, November 19, before seminarians carried the reliquary —about 250 pounds—to the Shrine in a procession the following morning. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington and former University chancellor, celebrated the first opening Mass and the first blessing of roses that were distributed to pilgrims.
On Friday, Catholic University spirit was particularly strong. The day’s Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., (MA 1972, PhD 1978), archbishop emeritus of Boston, who has longstanding ties to campus. The University’s Schola honored St. Thérèse with beautiful music, and President Peter Kilpatrick gave remarks after the liturgy. Saturday’s closing mass was celebrated by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Pilgrims also participated in daily devotionals, talks given by St. Thérèse experts, and prayer services.
