Olongapo faithful welcome ‘rockstar saint’

OLONGAPO — Hoping for miracles to come their way, Catholics from different parts of Olongapo and neighboring towns flocked to the city’s San Roque chapel Wednesday, Jan. 31, to welcome and venerate the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux inside the former US naval base.

“This time I’m praying for healing, for health,” shared Maria Rosa Levi of Barangay Mabayuan, a housewife and a long-time devotee of the young French Carmelite whom Pope Pius XI considered to be “the star” of his pontificate.

“This is my fourth encounter with St. Thérèse, and I can attest to the many blessings I’ve been granted through her intercession,” said Levi, who is also active in propagating the devotion to the “Little Flower.”

Like her fellow devotees, Levi took an effort to wake up early to be able to catch the last leg of the relic’s tour of the Diocese of Iba, given that such a visit happens rarely.

According to the event’s official Facebook page, from Subic Bay Freeport, the relics of St. Thérèse will be officially turned over to officials of the Diocese of Balanga at the Layac junction in Dinalupihan where it will be escorted by members of the Military Ordinariate anew.

The relics will be in the Philippines until May 31.

For more details, interested parties may visit: https://www.facebook.com/ThereseRelicsPH/. CBCPNews