The rosary and prayer ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” celebrated the centennial of her canonization at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes on May 17 at 2 p.m. — precisely 100 years after her canonization on May 17, 1925.
The event, attended by 225 people, featured performances by vocalist Victoria Wefer, who has sung at Carnegie Hall, and Dr. Merry Naddeo, an organist who has played at the Metropolitan Opera. A reception followed in the parish gym.
The prayer group meets at St. Catherine’s on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. from May through December. Members pray the Novena to St. Thérèse, a prayer for our nation, the Memorare, and the rosary. Participants are asked to bring a rosary. The group will provide prayer materials.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will celebrate St. Thérèse’s feast day at St. Catherine’s on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. St. Thérèse was a Discalced Carmelite nun in France who died at 24 on Sept. 30, 1897.
While the St. Thérèse Ministry meets at St. Catherine’s, the Shrine of St. Thérèse at 54 Rock Lane in Boonton — about a mile away — is open year-round. Visitors can continue to visit and light a candle.
The shrine represents the gratitude of its founder, Achille Arci. He made a promise to her in the 1920s after he was cured of an illness. Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Boonton owns and cares for the shrine.
Information: Call Carol Bsarany at 973-271-9252.
