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VENERATION OF ST. THÉRÈSE

Here, today, in this Cathedral, the fullness of the invisible St. Thérèse is present. Today, this is the place, (hic locus est) where we encounter her face to face as it were. The distance of pilgrimage has been overcome. We have been yearning and longing for an intimate closeness with a saint. Now we have been given the joys of proximity. Heaven, as it were, has come to us.

St. Thérèse in heaven, is present with us today. She brings with her the power, the mercy, the love, the compassion of our Heavenly Father. She is the bridge between heaven and earth. She who has the ear of God the Father and of Jesus Christ, our Lord, is here, fully present and attentive to what we have to say. She is the special messenger, the ambassador. She enjoys closeness and intimacy with God. She is God’s friend.

To you O holy one, we address our prayers of intercession. We have come to venerate you. We turn to you for friendship, for renewal in our faith and commitment; for inspiration; for protection; for healing in body and mind; for strength, for protection. Allow us to experience the change of heart which has been experienced by the thousands of pilgrims who have made the journey to venerate you.

Through you, we pray that our Archdiocese will be blessed; to be brought together in unity and be strengthened in the faith. Let our families be renewed and revitalized. Let South Africa be endowed with wise and caring leaders. Intercede on our behalf that we too may have saints in this land who will inspire, protect and guide us.

Behold, a friend of God is fully present among us. Let us venerate her in spirit and in truth.