Shrine of the Little Flower was founded in 1925, just prior to the canonization of St.Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese was known as "The Little Flower". It was one of the first churches in the world dedicated in her honor. It is a vibrant parish with 4,300+ registered families and 3 schools with over 1,000 students. The Shrine was designated a National Shrine by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1998.
Therese Martin was born to Louis Martin and Zelie Guerin on January 2, 1873. At the age of 15, she entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux, France. With the religious name of Sr. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, she lived a hidden life of prayer. She was gifted with a great intimacy with God. Through sickness and darkness, she remained faithful, rooted in God's powerful love. She died on September 30, 1897 at the age of 24. The inspiration of her life and her powerful ptresence from heaven touched so many people so quickly that she was solemnly canonized on May 17, 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Had she lived, she would have only been 52 years old at the time of her canonization. On the 100th anniversary of her death, Pope John Paul II designated St. Therese a Doctor of the Church.
Here is a picture that I took while we were there -