Renata Steffens
A statue of St Therese of Lisieux is seen at the National Shrine of St Therese in Darien, Illinois. Photo: CNS/ Nancy Wiechec. A painting of St Thérèse of Lisieux will be displayed to the public in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Knock, which opens for the season on May 2.
The painting, an original artwork of French Symbolist artist Edgar Maxence (1871–1954), was gifted to the Shrine and at the end of last year, Knock Shrine received funding through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2025 for a climate-controlled display for the painting.
In a statement to this paper, Knock Museum said, “This support enabled the commissioning of a custom-built, conservation-grade display case by Darac, Co. Monaghan, specialists in museum display and conservation solutions.”
With the display, Knock Museum ensures the long-term preservation of the artwork, while the public still has the opportunity to appreciate it “within the peaceful setting of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.”
Visits will be open daily during the pilgrimage season, from May to October. On July 12, a St Thérèse International Day will take place at Knock Shrine. During that day, there will be a guided tour by the museum staff scheduled as part of the pilgrimage, which will have the painting as the main focus.
“I am delighted for this beautiful painting to go on display at Knock Shrine for the 2026 pilgrimage season,” Fr Richard Gibbons, PP Knock and Administrator, Knock Shrine, said. “I hope that pilgrims will find inspiration in this remarkable painting and that it will deepen their faith and foster a devotion to St Thérèse and the Eucharist.”