HUNDREDS of Catholics visited a church where the relics of a saint from Taunton’s twin French town were held this weekend.

The remains of St Thérèse of Lisieux were be at St Teresa’s in Eastwick Road from 3pm yesterday to 11am today.

The relics, which will be escorted in by former Royal Marine Maj David Baldwin, wee welcomed at 3.30pm, with a Mass and healing service from 7pm celebrated by parish priest Canon John Cunningham.

Father Gary Brassington, Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, led a holy hour from 10pm, followed by a night vigil with readings from the writings of St Thérèse on the hour from midnight.

A Mass in honour of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus was celebrated at 8.30am by Bishop Declan, with the homily by Father Michael McAndrew, and a departure liturgy at 10.30am.

Before the visit, Doug Lowe, of the planning group, said: “We expect more than 1,000 people to visit in 20 hours, which is challenging for a church that only holds 240.

“To date, the relics have visited nearly 40 countries and wherever they have gone people have experienced conversion, healing, a renewed sense of vocation and answered prayers. The church is open to all who want to see the relics.”

o ST Thérèse (1873-1897), who is said to have cured Edith Piaf as a child from blindness, is the patron saint of people with AIDS, aviators and florists.

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