The sanctuary of Lisieux and the house of the Buissonnets
The history of the sanctuary of Lisieux
From 1897, the pilgrims went to the tomb of Santa Teresa and little by little a sanctuary in Lisieux to receive them. In 1923, Lisieux was preparing for beatification of the little theresa, this was the occasion to create a reception center and to prepare for the festivities. Until 1962, the sanctuary it welcomed almost two million pilgrims every year. In 1964, the Santos Luis and Celia Martin Home was opened, where sick people were initially welcomed. On the occasion of the doctorate Santa Teresanew infrastructures were installed in front of the basilica: conference room, amphitheater, etc.
The House of the Buissonnets
After the death of his wife Celia, Luis Martin moved with his five daughters to the house of the Buissonnets. It is precisely in this bourgeois house on rue du paradis (paradise street in Spanish) where Teresa he would spend eleven years of his life, until his admission to the Carmelite convent. She herself said: “It was a pleasure to come to Lisieux, to the Buissonnets, I was truly happy“. Starting in 1911, the Theresa’s house it became a place of pilgrimage. In 1931, the house was entrusted to the Oblates of Saint Teresa who welcomed the pilgrims and maintained the house and garden with the donations received. Visiting the family home allows pilgrims to imagine the saint’s childhood and the loving family environment in which she grew up. Visitors can see the toys or the prayer book of the little teresa. Beginning in 1932, the family home welcomed more than 80,000 visitors each year.
The construction of the basilica
Pope Pius XI called Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus the star of his pontificate and canonized her on May 17, 1925. In fact, he was the pioneer of the project of building of a great and beautiful basilica in Lisieux (NormandyFrance), but the local clergy opposed the project, claiming that the cult of the little theresa it wouldn’t last long. Also, Lisieux It already had many constructions of a religious nature. Despite this, in 1927, the project began to take shape when the local bishop, Monsignor Lemonnier, was in favor of the idea and had a renowned architect prepare the plans. The work began in 1929 thanks to the motivation of the Pope who wanted to make it: “very big, very beautiful, and as quickly as possible!” On July 11, 1937, Pope Pius XII solemnly blessed the basilica.
In 1944, 80% of the city of Lisieux was destroyed by bombing and subsequent fires. However, the cathedral and the basilica remained intact, as for Carmel, the flames stopped at its doors. Thus, 1954 marked the end of the building of one of the largest churches of the 20th century. On July 11, 1954 the sanctuary was consecrated.
The basilica of Lisieux
The upper basilica is decorated with stained glass beautiful made by Pierre Gaudin and can receive 3000 pilgrims. The lower basilica either crypt It is completely covered with marble and mosaics representing the most important episodes of the life of saint theresa. The crypt contains the remains of Saint Louis and Celia Martinparents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. the reliquary of Santa Teresa rests in the Carmelite convent of Lisieux. The sanctuary has an adoration chapel where pilgrims can gather quietly. The Bell tower, which was left unfinished, is a tower that houses 51 bells. These bells form what is called a concert carillon, which was designed by Paccard in the tradition of Flemish carillons.
Visiting Lisieux today
The sanctuary of lisieux it is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes. In fact, in the basilica are celebrated masses every day. The sanctuary it moves to the rhythm of the liturgical year and the Carmelite festivities are the protagonists. In addition, various events are organized throughout the year: conferences, spiritual retreats, etc.