Du May 01 2026 to May 03 2026

On the theme of the letters of Saint Therese in 2026, the Sanctuary of Lisieux offers you a weekend of discovery and remembrance to celebrate Saint Therese, secondary patron saint of France, and to understand how she became popular with the soldiers of the Great War.

Weekend led by Father Loys de Saint Chamas, Chaplain at the Sanctuary of Lisieux.

With the participation of Camille Burette, Archivist of the Carmel and Stéphanie Couriaud, Author.

Accommodation from Friday evening, May 1st until Sunday, May 3rd after lunch.

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face accompanied the soldiers during the Great War. She made her presence felt—on both sides of the battles—she inspired, encouraged, and liberated their witness. She supported families in their uncertainties, anxieties, sorrows, and hopes. She fostered an atmosphere that was both energetic and peaceful. She inspired gratitude to the Lord. Under her gaze, God himself revealed himself to waiting hearts.

During these days — in the current climate of distant or near wars — we offer you a moment under the guidance of Saint Thérèse, to live our time with her strength and gentleness. The days will be punctuated by the Liturgy of the Hours, the Eucharist, readings from Saint Thérèse, discussions in small groups, and the discovery of testimonies sent to the Carmel.

Weekend program

Friday, May 1st

18:00 PM – Welcome and check-in of participants

19:00 p.m. – Dinner

20:00 PM – Vigil: Military pilgrimages to Lisieux from 1911 onwards & how Thérèse became patron saint of France on May 3, 1944 – Fr. Loys de Saint Chamas

Accommodation at the Foyer Louis and Zélie Martin

Saturday May 2

From 7:30 am – Breakfast

8:15 a.m. – Lauds

9:00 a.m. – Talk: “At home, Letters from the mothers of soldiers to the Carmelite convent” – Stéphanie Couriaud

10:00 AM – Prayer led by Father Loys

10:45 a.m. – At the Carmel, Stained Glass Window then Memorial – Camille Burette

11:15 am – Mass at the Carmel

12:15 – Lunch

Free time

15:00 PM – Pilgrimage to the Lisieux Cemetery to the tomb of “Little Sister Thérèse”

16:30 PM – Drinks and snacks

16:45 PM – Talk “On the front lines, Thérèse touches and changes hearts” – Camille Burette

18:00 PM – Vespers at the Carmel

Prayer in Carmel

19:00 p.m. – Dinner

Introduction to the Night and Compline – Fr. Loys de Saint Chamas

Night of Adoration at the Carmel (open to all)

(The Carmelites will not stay overnight. Members of the Sanctuary will provide reception. A registration system for booking a time slot will be put in place. to ensure a continuous presence)

Accommodation at the Foyer Louis and Zélie Martin

Sunday, May 3

From 7:30 am – Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – Lauds at the Carmel

8:30 am – Breakfast afterwards

9:45 a.m. – Talk “Thérèse Today, on the Front Lines of Life and War” by P. Loys

11:00 a.m. – Mass at the Basilica

12:15 PM – Prayer for peace at the reliquary in the Basilica – Fr. Loys

12:30 PM – Lunch and end of the retreat

14:00 PM – Questions, Sharing and Praise – How Thérèse inspires us in these uncertain times

Accommodation from Friday evening, May 1st, until Sunday, May 3rd, after lunch.

Registration is open at contact@therese-de-lisieux.com or by phone at 02 31 48 55 00