After Thérèse's death, Story of a Soul and the other brochures distributing her writings spread very quickly. Crowds of pilgrims come to pray at her tomb, which will see several miracles, including that of little Edith, who will regain her sight and become known as Edith Piaf. Carmel has many images edited which make it very popular. At the same time, the Carmel receives hundreds of letters every day attesting to graces received through Thérèse's intercession: healings, conversions, apparitions of Thérèse. Devotion to Thérèse will grow particularly during the First World War (1914-1918) because many soldiers, French and German and their families, confide in them. Many will write to the Pope to ask for his beatification.
Beatification and Canonization
Following the fame of Thérèse and the innumerable graces of which the Carmel of Lisieux received the story by mail, many people, including bishops, these missionaries, but also very simple people asked that she be declared a saint.
The procedure for this resembles that of a trial which begins in the diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux and ends in the Vatican.
Examination of the cause: the “diocesan process” then the “apostolic process”
In 1910, the study of beatification began with the diocesan tribunal of Bayeux-Lisieux set up for this purpose.
– Search for the writings of Sister Thérèse
– Interrogation of witnesses who knew Thérèse on the heroic virtues, her reputation for holiness, the miracles wrought by her intercession. Thérèse is declared “Servant of God”. – Verification that no official worship has already been given to Thérèse
Exhumation of the body of Thérèse resting in the cemetery of Lisieux
The beatification procedure requires the recognition of the remains of the Servant of God. For this, two exhumations of Thérèse's body took place: the first on September 6, 1910 and the second on August 9 and 10, 1917.
The translation of the relics to Carmel
On March 26, 1923, Thérèse's relics were exhumed a third time to be transferred to Carmel, where the shrine chapel was built in anticipation of the Beatification.
Ceremonies
Pius XI proclaims Thérèse of the Child Jesus blessed on April 29, 1923
and his holiness on May 17, 1925.
« She is the greatest saint of modern times.«
Pope Pius X
A continuing hurricane
Since 1925, Thérèse's fame has spread widely. She is declared Patroness of Mssions. Thousands of churches are dedicated to him. The graces of conversion, healing or others multiply. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to Lisieux each year to visit her and pray in the places where she sanctified herself.
The centenary of his death (1897) is being prepared by an intense peregrination of his relics in France and throughout the world. Crowds flock to venerate her. The year 1997 is the occasion of many events and commemorations for this centenary, the culmination of which will be the WYD (World Youth Days) in Paris placed under its protection.
John Paul II declared her, on October 19, Doctor of the Church. She is the youngest and the 3rd woman
