The first-class heel relic of Saint Therese of Lisieux visited the Knock Shrine in Ireland for the first time in its history on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux was a 19th-century Carmelite nun who died in 1897 at the age of 24. Declared a Doctor of the Church, she is best known for her “Little Way” — a path of holiness through small acts of love, humility, and trust in God.
Saint Therese's heel relic from Scotland's Carfin Grotto was a historic visit in honor of St. Thérèse International Day at the Knock Shrine in Ireland. The event marked the 100th anniversary of Saint Therese’s canonization, which the Catholic Church celebrated on May 17, 2025.
Here is a photo of the Saint Thérèse Carfin Grotto Relic:
According to the website’s announcement, the “cherished relic” is Saint Thérèse’s heel bone.
“This cherished relic — the heel bone of the Little Flower — was a personal gift from the Carmelite Sisters of Lisieux to Canon Thomas Taylor, founder of Carfin Grotto and tireless apostle of Saint Thérèse. This sacred occasion marks a profound moment of spiritual unity between Carfin Grotto and Knock Shrine, and between Scotland and Ireland, in honour of one of the Church’s most beloved saints.”
Father Jim Grant, Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Scotland, explained that the heel relic is special because Saint Thérèse prayed on her heels as a form of penance.
Sancta Familia Media published a video explaining the event and the relics:
They said the Carfin relic is “one of the largest relics of Saint Thérèse in the world outside the one in Lisieux.”
"It contains the heel bone and metatarsal of Saint Thérèse. We brought it out of Scotland for the first time ever, especially for Knock," the video says. "This is a fundamentally major relic given to Canon Taylor, the founder of Carfin Grotto, by Mother Agnes — who was Saint Thérèse’s sister, Pauline."
The exhibit drew a great number of pilgrims to the Knock shrine. Other items displayed included Saint Therese’s Consecration Prayer and one of the lilies that crowned Saint Thérèse after her death.
Here are some additional photos from St. Thérèse International Day below:
