The 91st Shower of Roses was held Sunday at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in the New Columbus section of Nesquehoning.

“We know that a big part of our day is the promise of flowers,” exclaimed Rev. Robert J. George, rector of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese.

“The promise that St. Therese, as she returned to her rightful place in the eternal Kingdom, that she would shower down roses.”

George said the rose is symbolism of the great love that St. Therese had for humanity.

The symbolism of the rose is there to remind us that it didn’t just happen in that monastery in France so many centuries ago; but, even today, as we continue to have a love and devotion to St. Therese, we truly believe that, at this very moment, she continues to take our prayers and place them before the very throne of God.”

After the Mass Sophia Cerimele was crowned as the 2023 Rose Queen.

She and her court then stepped outside to the grotto next to the church. She was accompanied by the 2022 Rose Queen Megan Reaman, and the rest of the Queen’s Court: Serenity Fritz, Emerald Drumheller, October Drumheller, Amelia Degler, Sarah Larry, Paige Larry, and Giavanna Larry.

The queen and her court then rode in a small procession around the streets of New Columbus. After the recitation of the Rosary and Benediction inside the shrine, roses were handed out to all those who were present, no longer by helicopter as was done in the past.

The St. Therese Celebration, including the Shower of Roses, began in 1932 with the Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monsignor Angnello J. Angelini.

Pilgrims from the tri-state area and beyond came by car and bus to join in the celebration. The Grotto was not only a focal point but the destination for all pilgrims during the feast day of St. Theresa