The 5 Best St. Therese Pilgrimage Sites in America
St. Therese, also known as the Little Flower, is arguably one of the most popular saints (and for a great reason!), as she has inspired countless individuals around the globe with her simple yet profound spirituality. If you are devoted to St. Therese and the "little way," you may wish to take a pilgrimage to her... But where? And how?
Surprisingly, there are many places right here in the United States that are perfect for a domestic pilgrimage!
From the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, to the quaint town of Darien, Illinois, and the picturesque landscapes of Alaska, there is no shortage of American pilgrimage sites dedicated to The Little Flower. Join me as we explore these havens of peace and devotion, each with its own story, its own community, and its own way of bringing the message of St. Therese to the modern world:
1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower
Address: 1715 N Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX 78201
Phone: (210) 735-9126
Website: littleflowerbasilica.org
This is the first National Shrine in the United States dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The Shrine reflects the spirituality of St. Thérèse and the Carmelite charism. Built during the Great Depression, it is a monument to the faith of St. Thérèse's devotees. The Basilica is recognized for its significant size, beauty, and architectural character, leading to its placement on the National Register of Historic Places and its designation as a Minor Basilica in 1998. The Shrine includes first-class relics of St. Thérèse and her parents, among other notable features.
2. Shrine of the Little Flower
Address: 35 Dion Dr, Burrillville, RI 02830
Phone: (401) 568-8280
Website: burrillvillecatholic.org
This Shrine was among the first in the world dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, established just four months after her beatification. Located in Nasonville, Rhode Island, it has been a rural oasis of prayer, pilgrimage, and community for over 100 years. The Church and Shrine offer a serene environment for devotion, with the outdoor Shrine open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year.
3. National Shrine of St. Therese
Address: 21425 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 789-9815
Website: https://www.shrineofsainttherese.org/
The St. Therese Shrine in Juneau, Alaska, was added to the national list of shrines on St. Therese's feast day. Inspired by Jesuit priest Fr. William G. LeVasseur, this Shrine offers a holy place for individuals to grow in their devotion to God. The retreat house and chapel were constructed in the 1930s, with the first Mass held in 1941. St. Therese is the patron of Alaska and the Diocese of Juneau, reflecting Bishop Joseph Crimont's devotion to the Little Flower.
4. National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese
Location: 8501 Bailey Rd, Darien, IL 60561
Phone: 800-621-2806
Website: littleflower.org
This Shrine and museum are part of the Carmelite Campus in Darien, Illinois, offering a spiritual haven over 40 acres of grounds. It features several first-class relics of St. Therese, photographs, paintings, a prayer pavilion, and a full-sized replica of her convent cell. The site hosts daily Mass and provides various religious books and gifts at the Carmelite Gift Shop.
5. The Shrine of St. Therese
Location: 855 E Floradora Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Phone: (559) 268-6388
Website: shrineofsttherese.wordpress.com/
The Shrine of St. Therese stands as an architectural marvel and a serene sanctuary for divine worship. Crafted in a blend of Romanesque and mission styles, this structural masterpiece was brought to life through the vision of Vincent Buckley from San Francisco, with Long and Needham overseeing its construction. The interior, a collaborative effort led by Los Angeles designer Richard W. Jung with contributions from a New York artist, can accommodate 900 devotees across its main and additional chapel spaces. More than just a building, this shrine embodies a living homage to God's enduring presence and celebrates the legacy of St. Therese, reflecting the everyday heroism of contemporary Christians committed to sanctifying their surroundings.
I pray these local pilgrimage sites will build your faith and devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux. Before you go, call or visit each location’s website for hours of operation, mass times, and/or tours. God bless!