Our Mission 
The mission of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux is to foster the spirituality of the faithful both near and far. The shrine will accomplish its mission through implementation of vibrant activities and a growing devotion to and awareness of the life of St. Therese. With St. Therese as our model we will strive for a love of the child Jesus and shower that love over God’s people through our spiritual, catechetical, pastoral, and social activity.
History of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese 
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Columbus was established in November, 1913.The parish began in a town named Little Italy. Italian
immigrants founded Little Italy in 1884. Numbering approximately 120 families, these early settlers worshipped at Sacred Heart in Nesquehoning.
In 1904, Father Paolo Gentile came to Little Italy to say Mass on Sundays in a dilapidated building. He built the first church in 1905. In 1906, the church
in Little Italy became a mission church of Saint Joseph’s in Pottsville. In November, 1913, Archbishop Prendergast elevated the mission to a parish and appointed Father Luigi La Bella as the first resident pastor. A rectory was built in 1914. In 1918, Little Italy was abandoned due to mining operations, making it necessary for the residents to relocate to the new town of New Columbus.
The Most Reverend Dennis J. Dougherty, Archbishop of Philadelphia, acquired four lots from the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company along Garibaldi Avenue for $1 “for church purposes only,” and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was relocated to New Columbus at the corner of Garibaldi and Venice Avenues. The latter was renamed Angelini Avenue (1988) in honor of Monsignor Angnello J. Angelini.
By 1920, the entire population of Little Italy had moved to New Columbus. The new church in New Columbus was rebuilt and dedicated by 1920. On October 15, 1945, the Grotto Shrine was dedicated.
On September 12, 1932, Father Angelini became the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. In 1950, the new Italian church and parish hall were built along Garibaldi Avenue under his ministry, the ground for it having been broken on February 26, 1950. The cornerstone was laid on July 16, 1951, and the dedication took place on May 29, 1955. A new rectory was added in 1967.
Monsignor Angelini, known for his humanitarian efforts and dynamic personality, left a lasting impact on the parish. He also initiated the “Shower of Roses” festival annual event, started in 1932, that honors Saint Therese and includes a Mass, crowning of a Rose Queen, and distribution of roses.
On May 11, 1964, Pope Paul VI elevated Father Angelini to the rank of Domestic Prelate, conferring upon him the title of Rev. Monsignor.
The church has been a central part of the community, celebrating religious traditions and preserving the Italian-American heritage. After 1941, the processions, parades, holiday observances, and other community events almost always involved a gathering and ceremony in front of the Grotto.
The St. Theresa Celebration was a regional Italian festival. Monsignor Angelini’s dedication and devotion to St. Theresa of Lisieux, France, The Little Flower of Jesus, was the inspiration for the St. Theresa Shower of Roses celebration. This celebration started in 1932 and remained highly attended during its 75 years. Pilgrims from the tri-state area and beyond came by car and bus to join in the celebration. The Grotto was not only a focal point but the destination for all pilgrims during the feast day of St. Theresa.
The love and respect that Monsignor Angelini had for military service personal was demonstrated throughout his lifetime of service to the community of Nesquehoning. He was passed away on May 16, 1987, and was honored at his funeral with a military honor guard.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was designated as the Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux in 2012.
In 1987, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Immaculate Conception churches shared a pastor. The churches were joined by Sacred Heart Parish in becoming the new St. Francis of Assisi Parish, formed on July 15, 2008.
The Rev. Clifton Bishop was the first pastor of St. Francis Parish. He was followed by the Rev. Anthony Drouncheck and the Rev. Francis Schoenauer.
St. Francis Parish and St. Katherine Drexel Parish, formed by the consolidation of the three churches in both Lansford and Coaldale, then became part of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill, on July 1, 2016.