BASILICA OF SAINT THERESA OF LISIEUX
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Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux, with a dome rising to a height of almost 100 m and a crypt containing a shrine.
A true architectural gem, the hillside Basilica of Lisieux is one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Following the canonization of the young Carmelite nun Thérèse in 1925, Pope Pius XI ordered the construction of a basilica in her honour in 1929: "I want a great basilica for my little Thérèse". The Pope considered her the star of his pontificate. In 1930, 400 workers worked tirelessly to build this immense church in reinforced concrete and granite from Vire (Calvados), completed in 1937. The basilica covers an area of 4,500 m², its dome rising to a height of almost 100 metres, and 8,000 m² of mosaics adorn the upper basilica, whose pews can accommodate up to 3,000 pilgrims. The visit is incomplete without an extended stop in the crypt. Entirely covered in marble and mosaics depicting the stages of St. Thérèse’s life, it’s well worth a visit.
Equally admirable is the campanile, housing the 51 chromatic carillon bells of exceptional sound quality. The bells are made by Annecy-based Paccard, one of the world’s most renowned foundries.
Masses are held in the crypt at 3:30 pm Monday to Saturday, and at 5 pm on Sundays. Mass in Latin at 9 a.m. three Sundays a month. In the upper basilica, service every Sunday at 10:30 am. Other events are listed on the website.
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