Wednesday 5 August 2009

Patron of the skies

It may seem unlikely, given that she died a few years before the first flight took place, but Thérèse is the patron saint of aviators and aircrew. Presumably she was chosen on account of her desire to travel the world as a missionary. Thérèse is also a patron saint of missionaries, of the World Youth Day, of those who have lost their parents, of those with HIV/AIDS or tubercolosis, of florists, of France, of Russia and of priests. It's quite a list, and is a sign of the widespread appeal which this wonderful saint has.