St Ninian’s pupils honour the relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux

Senior pupils at St Ninian’s High have played a significant role in the visit of the relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux to Scotland.

St Ninian's pupils who carried the Relics of St Therese of Lisieux into St Mirin's RC Cathedral (Photo: Paul Mc Sherry)

On Sunday, a group of pupils and staff celebrated Mass at St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley in honour of the visit of the relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux.

A number of St Ninian’s sixth year pupils had the privilege of carrying the relics into the cathedral.

Today, another group of pupils from the Giffnock school have had the opportunity to celebrate Mass in the cathedral in the presence of the relics, which have been brought to Scotland for the first time.

St Ninian's pupils carry the relics into the cathedral where Mass was celebrated by Bishop John Keenan. (Photo: Paul McSherry)

The relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux are nearing the end of a three-week tour of Scotland’s eight Catholic dioceses.

Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin entered the convent aged just 15 and was canonised a saint in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.

Many miracles of healing have been reported throughout the world, including Scotland, through her intercession.

She is a Doctor of the Church, Patroness of the Missions and of the sick.

Staff and pupils from St Ninian's High attended the Mass for the visit of The Relics of St Therese of Lisieux to St Mirin's RC Cathedral (Photo: Paul McSherry)

Fr Jim Grant, General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, who have coordinated the visit, said: “People today are fascinated by the idea of pilgrimage, of travelling to a holy place or site associated with a holy person.

“This once in a lifetime visit of the relics of Saint Therese to Scotland is a pilgrimage in reverse, where a holy person comes to us.

“We can expect many graces from this visit including healing, conversion and discovery of true vocation to God.”