Thousands of worshippers have turned out for the latest tour-date of St Therese of Liseux, a nineteenth century carmelite nun.
The Archbishop of Liverpool has spoken of his surprise at the "unprecedented" turn-out, as the remains of the saint arrived on Merseyside.
Three-thousand worshippers packed into Liverpool's huge Metropolitan Cathedral to venerate the relics of St Therese at 3pm on Thursday.
Thousands more watched on as the procession arrived and the ornate relic was laid to rest on a plinth in the centre of the cathedral, where they will remain for twenty-four hours.
Archbishop Patrick Kelly said; "The worshipping of holy relics has always played an essential part in the pursuit of faith, and today's wonderful turnout proves that this is still the case today.
"These remains are important, not because of what they are physically, but because they remind us of our own mortality.
"We are reminded that one day, we will all move on from this world to the next, and we must look to St Therese as an example of how to live our own lives.
"This is the first time this relic has been in the north of England, and I am absolutely delighted to see so many people here. We are very fortunate to have this enormous Cathedral, and it is very gratifying to see it filled to capacity.
"It's wonderful to see so many people from different walks of life, young and old, moved by this event.
"I hope many more people will continue to pay their respects to St Therese while the relic remains with us, until three o'clock tomorrow."
St Therese died of tuberculosis more than a century ago, after living a life of solitude and piety. Despite living only a short life, she is considered by many Catholics to be the perfect example of simple devotion to God and the church.
Astoundingly, the tour of her relics around Ireland in 2001 attracted three-quarters of the population, more than turned out for the final tour of Pope John Paul II.
Last night nuns of the Carmelite order to which St Therese belonged, kept a vigil of silent prayer, before the Cathedral was reopened to the public at 7am.
Peter Hennegan, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese said; "Tonight's vigil is totally unique, and a fitting tribute to St Therese and her life.
"We have seen a real sense of community in Liverpool today, which is absolutely fantastic. I very much hope to see many thousands more over the next twenty-four hours."
Anaconda, Wirral around 2 years, 8 months ago