Basilica of the Little Flower

Established in 1926, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse Parish was founded by a delegation of Discalced Carmelite Friars who sought refuge in the U.S. from the persecution of the Mexican Revolution. The first Eucharistic Celebration of the new parish took place in a makeshift chapel at the intersection of Kentucky & Zarzamora on April 4, 1926. From there the shrine and community continued to grow, even throughout the Great Depression. The Basilica as we know it today was completed in 1931.
 
Today Little Flower Basilica serves Catholics in the San Antonio area as a traditional parish and people from across the nation and all walks of life as a historical and spiritual landmark. The community of Discalced Carmelite Fathers have long since become their own province and continue to serve parishioners and anyone called to explore the beauty of Carmel.