Sir, - Like Rev Joseph O'Leary, who wrote objecting to the visit to Ireland of St Therese's relics, (April 14th), I too am one of her long-time devotees. Also like him, I am not what could be described as big into relics. However, I disagree with the conclusions he draws that her relics should not go on tour.
What leads me to the opposite conclusion is the saint's own statement: "I want to spend my Heaven doing good on Earth."
The visitation of her relics is giving valuable publicity to all that St Therese stood for: "Loving God and others in small daily things, and hanging onto faith when the going gets tough." If this visitation of her relics can do good to anybody, I am sure St Therese would approve of this use of them.
In a culture that floods us with messages of all kinds, I welcome this much needed publicity for her truly valuable message and witness. - Yours, etc.,
Hilda Geraghty, Shankill, Co Dublin.