Saint's relics on view at priory

St Therese died of tuberculosis in 1897, and was canonized in 1925

Thousands of people in Kent are expected to file past a casket of the remains of a woman described as "the greatest saint of modern times".

St Therese of Lisieux was a 19th Century French Carmelite nun, who became famous after she died, aged 24.

As part of a nationwide tour, the casket arrived at Aylesford Priory, near Maidstone, on Friday.

The relics will be on display until Sunday, before being taken to the Carmelite Church in Kensington, London.

World tour

St Therese died of tuberculosis in 1897, and was canonized in 1925.

She is the Patron Saint of Missionaries, Aids sufferers, aviators, florists, and the sick generally.

During the last 15 years, her remains have been taken to more than 40 countries.

The body of St Therese is divided into three, with some of her bones remaining permanently in Lisieux, and others travelling more or less constantly around France.

A third casket, containing portions of her thigh and foot bones, travels the rest of the world.

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Pilgrim Lyn Butler-Hewitt explains how seeing the relics at Aylesford Priory will help her with her faith