A long-standing tradition in the New Columbus section of Nesquehoning was held Sunday at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux.

The 92nd Annual Shower of Roses Festival was held at the grounds of the shrine dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the little flower of Jesus.

The festival included the celebration of Mass inside the shrine, celebrated by the Rev. Robert J. George, rector of the Shrine; and guest homilist, the Rev. Stephan A. Isaac, Parochial Vicar from the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Sienna, Allentown; and Deacon Joseph Cannon. Members of choirs of several area churches sang during the Mass, led by Regina Depuy, with organist Samuel Miranda.

The Mass concluded with the crowning of the rose queen, Amelia Degler, a freshman of Marian Catholic High School. Her court included Emerald and October Drumheller; Paige, Sarah, and Giavanna Larry; and Quinn McGorry.

During the Mass, Isaac spoke of the symbol of the rose.

“Brothers and sisters,” Isaac said, “as we celebrate this great day of the Shower of Roses, the rose is actually a perfect example. It’s a small thing; a small, but beautiful thing. St. Therese loved nature and loved roses, and think about a rose. It’s beautiful, attractive, and it’s got a beautiful fragrance. That’s what we’re called to have in that childlike simplicity that leads to holiness. That intimacy with Jesus that’s manifested by a life of love and virtue.

“Receiving all the good gifts that God wants to give us, and then giving them away in selflessness. The Little Way of trust, humility, gentleness, and compassion. This is what St. Therese of the Child Jesus, in an emphasis on this childlike simplicity that we are called to have as disciples of Jesus.”

“As we honor St. Therese of the Child Jesus, we invoke her intercession and ask the Holy Spirit to help us become like children, to receive all that God wants to give us; that we receive that supreme gift; the Kingdom of God as St. Therese did. St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”

After the Mass, the rose queen boarded a float, and she and her entourage drove through the streets of New Columbus in a procession of roses. Degler then changed into the Carmelite garb to represent St. Therese and handed out roses to those in attendance following the novena and benediction.

In addition to the Mass, the festival also included a spaghetti dinner in Madonna Hall.

The Shower of Roses was started in 1932 by Monsignor Agnello J. Angelini, who held a special devotion to St. Therese. In years past, the festival drew busloads of people, and included a helicopter drop of roses.

While not as many people attend as in the past, and the helicopter is no longer used, the festival continues to draw the faithful to honor Saint Therese and her dedication in serving Jesus.

As she lay dying in the convent infirmary, Therese said, “I will let fall a Shower of Roses. I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth.”