Discalced Carmelites arrived in Egypt in 1926, the year after the canonization of St. Therese. Today St. Therese’s Basilica is the venue for unity and communion for the different Rites, both for Coptic and Orthodox Catholics and even for Muslims who frequent it, as well as non-aligned women and some men who come just to pray there. It is a sign of the ecumenism that derives from the person of Therese who won over the hearts of everyone with her simplicity and love.
The Carmelites in Egypt wanted to celebrate and remember the 150 years from the birth of St. Therese (1873-2023) with various initiatives. Every month they had a Conference on different aspects of her teaching. They also came up with the novel idea of launching a painting competition on the theme “St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Egypt”. Some fine Coptic Iconographic artists took part and there were prizes for the top 3 winners. All the icons will remain on permanent exhibition in the Basilica as visible signs of Egyptians’ love for little St. Therese and of the love that the Saint of the Roses has for Egypt.
