Feast of Saint Thérèse
Nine days of celebrations at the Lisieux Sanctuary
About Feast Thérèse Lisieux
A World-Renowned Pilgrimage to Lisieux
The Feast of Saint Thérèse in Lisieux is one of the most important religious celebrations in France. Every year, in late September and early October, the Lisieux Sanctuary — the second most important pilgrimage site in France after Lourdes — welcomes thousands of pilgrims from around the world to honor Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897), the youngest Doctor of the Church, patroness of missions, and co-patroness of France.
Nine Days of Intense Celebrations
The feast lasts for nine days (a novena), centered around October 1st, the date of Saint Thérèse's liturgical feast. The program includes solemn masses in the Basilica of Saint Thérèse and at the Carmel, relic processions through the streets of Lisieux, conferences on Thérèse's spirituality, prayer and adoration vigils, and guided tours of the places associated with Thérèse (Buissonnets, Carmel, Saint-Pierre Cathedral).
The Rose Petal Showers
The most iconic moment of the Feast is the rose petal shower from the dome of the Basilica of Saint Thérèse. This moving spectacle refers to Saint Thérèse's promise: "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses." Thousands of petals fall on the faithful gathered in the basilica, creating an unforgettable moment of grace.
International Reach
The Feast of Saint Thérèse attracts pilgrims from all continents. The Lisieux Sanctuary welcomes nearly two million visitors each year, and the October festivities are the highlight of this attendance. The event is organized by the Sanctuary of Lisieux and the Diocese of Bayeux and Lisieux.
Feast Thérèse Lisieux — edition 2026
Saint Thérèse's Feasts 2026 at the Sanctuary of Lisieux
The Saint Thérèse's Feasts 2026 will take place from September 26 to October 4, 2026 at the Saint Thérèse Sanctuary of Lisieux, around the liturgical feast of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus celebrated on October 1st. For nine days, the Sanctuary and the Basilica welcome pilgrims from all over the world.
The program for these celebrations includes: processions of Saint Thérèse's relics, solemn masses, conferences, prayer and adoration vigils, times for reconciliation, guided tours of Thérèsian sites, and the traditional showers of rose petals in the Basilica. The 2025-2026 season of the Sanctuary is themed « Saint Thérèse, mistress of spiritual life », with a common thread dedicated to the saint's letters.
The closing weekend, October 3 and 4, 2026, hosts the pilgrimage of the Carmelite family, on the theme « Thérèse and the Virgin Mary ».
The detailed day-by-day program (mass times, processions, and conferences) will be published on the official website of the Sanctuary of Lisieux during the summer.
Programme Feast Thérèse Lisieux 2026
Recurring program for Saint Thérèse's Feasts, spread over the nine days from September 26 to October 4, 2026 (precise times will be published on the Sanctuary's website closer to the feasts) :
- Procession of Saint Thérèse's relics, from the Carmel to the Basilica, by torchlight
- Daily solemn masses, including the high mass of the liturgical feast on October 1st
- Conferences and teachings on Thérèsian spirituality
- Evening prayer and adoration vigils
- Showers of rose petals in the Basilica, a sign of Saint Thérèse's promise
- Guided tours of Thérèsian sites (Basilica, Carmel, Les Buissonnets)
- October 3-4: pilgrimage of the Carmelite family, on the theme « Thérèse and the Virgin Mary »
Highlights Feast Thérèse Lisieux 2026
- Novena in late September-early October
- Processions, masses, and conferences
- Rose petal showers
- Lisieux Sanctuary
- Free admission
Prices Feast Thérèse Lisieux 2026
Practical information — Feast Thérèse Lisieux
Practical Information
Location
Lisieux Sanctuary — Basilica of Saint Thérèse, Carmel, Les Buissonnets, 14100 Lisieux.
Access
- By train: Lisieux SNCF station (Paris–Caen line), shuttle buses to the Sanctuary.
- By car: A13 motorway, exit Lisieux from Paris (180 km).
- Parking: Free parking lots around the Basilica.
Prices
- Free admission for all celebrations and visits.
Contact
- Organizer: Sanctuary of Lisieux
- Phone: 02 31 48 55 08
- Website: therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr
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Where does it take place — Feast Thérèse Lisieux
Sanctuaire de Lisieux — Basilique Sainte-Thérèse
Sanctuaire Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux, 31 rue du Carmel, 14102 Lisieux CEDEX, 14100 Lisieux