St. Thérèse relics to visit Africa for World Cup

(May 11,2010) The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be in South Africa for the first time as the country hosts the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. A press release from the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference announced on Monday that the relics will be in and around Johannesburg, from June 27 to July 12. The international soccer tournament will be held in that same city from June 11 to July 11. The communiqué noted that the youth from St. Francis of Assisi in Yeoville, a suburb of Johannesburg, spearheaded the initiative because they are deeply inspired by the saint in their faith, and encouraged by her spiritual 'little way,' as she is one of the youngest saints of all times."
This initiative is one of many promoted and organized by the Catholic Church in that region during the World Cup. The junior choir of St. Francis Parish are producing an original song, "Pass the Ball to Life," to welcome the relics and mark the World Cup.
The relics will arrive in the country on June 25, and will remain there for six weeks, travelling throughout South Africa. The communiqué expressed the hope that the saint's relics will inspire people, and strengthen their faith.