St. Theresa’s Shrine marks centennial jubilee year

From The Rhode Island Catholic
Newspaper of the Diocese of Providence
 
NASONVILLE, Rhode Island – Worcester’s Bishop McManus is participating in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Shrine of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus. St. Therese of Lisieux was born in 1873 and is also popularly known as “The Little Flower.” Bishop McManus is scheduled to give a talk on the life and theology of the saint on Aug. 4. 
The Shrine of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus was established as a parish in the Nasonville section of Burrillville, Rhode Island, on Aug. 23, 1923, by Bishop William Hickey. For the past 100 years, it has served the Catholic faithful from far and near. In July of 2019, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish merged with Our Lady of Good Help Parish in Mapleville, Rhode Island, and is now known as Our Lady of Good Help Parish and St. Theresa’s Shrine.  This being the centennial year of celebration, the parish is working to improve the grounds with a new Rosary Walk, beautify the campus and continue to spread the message of love which is at the center of St. Theresa’s unique contributions to theology and faith.  The Vatican has granted a plenary indulgence to those who visit the shrine during the centennial year. A plenary indulgence remits any temporal punishment due for sin, either on earth or in purgatory. In addition to visiting the shrine, the following conditions must be met: confess your sins in the sacrament of penance, receive holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and “have the interior disposition of the sense of holiness with a complete detachment from sin, including venial sin.”  The centennial celebrations began with a solemn Mass celebrated on the 99th anniversary of the shrine on Aug. 21, 2022, by Bishop Robert C. Evans, then Auxiliary Bishop of Providence. Continuing the celebration, the shrine welcomed Bishop Richard G. Henning, the new Bishop of Providence, on the Solemnity of the Ascension on May 18, as well as a Mass and reception on July 23, celebrated by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, New York.
Bishop McManus’ talk on St. Therese of Lisieux is set for 6:30 p.m., Aug. 4. Both Bishop Matano and Bishop McManus were ordained priests for the Diocese of Providence and served at the parish level, as well as in diocesan administration.
Many events are scheduled through May 2024 and will be published on the parish website: www.burrillvillecatholic.org.
The Shrine holds a major celebration every year on the third Sunday in August. This year, the Centennial Celebration Mass and dedication of the newly built Rosary Walk will be held on Aug. 20 beginning at noon with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Evans. Confessions will be available in the afternoon, the gift shop will be open, and food and beverages will be available as those gathered will enjoy the honor of being present at the celebration of the first shrine in North America and the world built in honor of “The Little Flower.”
The shrine is located at 35 Dion Drive and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.  
Visitors may stroll among the beautiful Church of the Little Flower, the newly built Rosary Walk, the outdoor chapel, Holy Stairs, Stations of the Cross, Garden of the Saints, and the Shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima. Picnic tables are available outdoors and the hall can be used for meals during periods of inclement weather. 
Father Jose Parathanal, of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, serves as pastor; Father Cyriac Kalampatt, C.M.I; serves as parochial vicar; and Deacon Richard J. Lapierre serves as the deacon assistant.