I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody involved in the visit of the relics of St Therese to the Cathedral. It was truly a wonderful opportunity of grace for us all. Firstly, my thanks to Fr Gerard Robinson and his team for outstanding organisation.

Thanks, also, to the Knights and Brancadiers, the excellent team of Cathedral Ushers, the catering staff for providing refreshments throughout the visit, those who worked in the repository, the Carmelite Sisters from Darlington and the Monks of Ampleforth. My sincere thanks also to the priests of the Diocese for their support at all the services and for hearing confessions and to our deacons. I do, also, appreciate the efforts of the Police and Council in assisting us, and the media for publicity. Our choir under the direction of Fr Stephen Maughan added so much to all our liturgies, and for their efforts, I am most grateful. Thanks once again to Monsignor Lagoutte from Lisieux and Monsignor Balthrop, National Co-ordinator for the visit of St Therese’s relics.

A special word of thanks to our school children and young people – it was good to see you.

Finally, my thanks to you- the people of the Diocese and beyond who turned up through day and night to pray, to venerate the relics and give testimony to your faith. I am sure as a Diocese this time will be long remembered and future generations will speak of the visit of the relics.

May God Bless you.

(The Editor of the Middlesbrough Catholic Voice writes, ‘There were many who helped behind the scenes in many ways. Thanks to all who helped in any way including Mr Ron Darby who generously made available to the coaches bringing pilgrims the car park at the Blue Bell Hotel in Middlesbough and to Psyche, the Middlesbrough fashion store who helped the Carmelite Sisters at Darlington.)