I dare come to Lisieux as was not far and after many passing by , really needed to go into town, It was a wonderful experience to actually see something you have heard all your life, Let me tell you more on the wonderful story of Basilica of Sainte Thérèse of Lisieux !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
As usual I have written before and plenty of text and pictures, This post will be shorter to just add to my blog older pictures not yet on my blog and they should , me think.
The Sainte-Thérèse Basilica is located in Lisieux, in Calvados dept 14 of Normandie. It was brought up in honor of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus shortly after her canonization. An imposing neo-Byzantine style basilica inspired by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, its construction, on a height at the edge of the city, began in 1929 and its consecration took place in 1954. The city of Lisieux being the second place of pilgrimage in France after Lourdes.
Sainte Thérèse of Lisieux was beatified on April 29, 1923 and canonized on May 17, 1925 while four of her sisters, all nuns, were still alive. Devotion to the new saint, already manifested by the poilus or hairy (as the young French men were called) during the Great War or WWI, gained momentum from the year following her canonization. Faced with the growing number of pilgrims, it seems necessary to build a large basilica dedicated to pilgrimage in the city where she lived and where she died. Work began on September 30, 1929, the first stone being laid by Cardinal Charost, papal legate. The crypt was inaugurated in 1932. The basilica was solemnly blessed on July 11, 1937 at the end of the 11th National Eucharistic Congress by Cardinal Pacelli , papal legate and future Pius XII. On July 11, 1939, the monolithic cross was installed at the top of the dome. Work continued in slow motion between 1939 and 1944 because of WWII. The basic structure, which was completed before the war, suffered little damage during the bombings of June 1944 which destroyed two-thirds of Lisieux. It was probably spared thanks to its position on the edge of the town. After the war, the damage done to the basilica was repaired. The basilica was consecrated on July 11, 1954 by the Archbishop of Rouen and Primate of Normandy, Mgr Martin in the presence of the papal legate, the Archbishop of Paris Mgr Feltin. Since 2008, the basilica’s crypt has held the reliquary of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, parents of Sainte Thérèse.
Saint Therese Basilica is one of the largest religious buildings built in the 20C. It was consecrated on July 11, 1954. The crypt with three naves and the dome, 93 meters high, are exceptional . If and you should Like Pope John Paul II, who came on pilgrimage to Lisieux on June 2, 1980, follow in the footsteps of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents Louis and Zélie Martin, canonized in 2015. The pedestrian route “In the footsteps of Saint Thérèse”, materialized on the ground by a blue line, invites you to discover the main places linked to the Saint.
The Saint Therese Basilica of Lisieux differs from other votive churches: here, the faithful do not stroll around the relics. There is a gigantic nave that can accommodate 4,000 people seated. The impression of grandeur due to this unique volume accentuates the already large dimensions: 37 meters under the vault and 50 meters under the dome. The walls of the Upper Basilica and the crypt are decorated with mosaics that reflect the message of Saint Therese. A veritable cocktail of colors and shapes. The stained glass windows favor a blue atmosphere which creates an atmosphere of intimacy and calm.
Therese of Lisieux is one of the patron saints of the missions, not because she ever went anywhere, but because of her special love of the missions, and the prayers and letters she gave in support of missionaries.
The official Sanctuary of Lisieux : https://www.therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr/en/decouvrir-le-sanctuaire/la-basilique/
The city of Lisieux on its heritage: https://www.ville-lisieux.fr/fr/x79-Lieux-emblematiques.html
There you go folks, another wonderful huge monument of my belle France. It is a must to visit as the grandeur of the place alone will take you back! It is a huge, wonderful experience as a second baptism! The Basilica of Sainte Thérèse of Lisieux !!! Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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