Irish United Nations Veterans Association
IUNVA | Honouring | Caring | Remembering
St. Thérèse of Lisieux – 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Sunday 12 Apr 2026.
25 Years ago, The Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux arrived onto Irish soil carried with dignity by members of the Defence Forces’ 10th Battalion in Wexford, following their journey on the MV Normandy ferry into Rosslare Harbour.
Over the 80 days during which the Relics travelled the length and breadth of the country, an unprecedented outpouring of faith, devotion, and affection unfolded. Crowds increased daily, with an estimated three million people gathering day and night to venerate the Little Flower.
Devotion to St. Thérèse remains deeply rooted in Ireland today. Her Little Way reminds us that we don’t need to do great or extraordinary things. What matters most are the small, everyday acts of love and kindness. This message is timeless and easy for people of all ages to live by.
By sharing her story and celebrating her life, communities continue to come together in prayer.
As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we are honoured to be organising a dedicated commemoration day in collaboration with Fr. Simon Nolan O.Carm, Prior Provincial of the Irish Province of Carmelites, and Fr. James Noonan OCD, Prior Provincial of the Anglo Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites.
The plan for this special day includes a Solemn Mass at 4.00pm and an exhibition with items from the 2001 visit, such as videos, photographs, newspaper articles, and other materials from the nationwide pilgrimage will be on from 11 am-7pm. The Exhibition on the Life of St Therese and the Martin family with items from the 2001 visit, such as videos, photographs, newspaper articles, and other materials from the nationwide pilgrimage will be on from 11 am-7pm.
Our Relics of St. Thérèse & her parents St Louis & St Zelie Martin will be available for Veneration after the 10.30am & 12.30pm Masses at the St Thérèse Shrine in Whitefriar Street Church Aungier Street, Dublin till 2.30pm and after the 4pm Mass at the Altar
We look forward to welcoming you all to help celebrate this wonderful anniversary.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 085 8887549. We have a dedicated email address for the event also – 2001 relics@gmail.com
Honouring
We honour our fallen comrades by holding Annual Wreath Laying Ceremonies at our Irish United Nations Veterans Association Memorials and gravesides.
Events are held annually throughout the country by our Posts.
We have a number of burial plots countrywide for members who fall on hard times. Details and requests can be made to National Welfare Officer of any Post Welfare Officer.
Caring
To advise and assist our veterans, who have been adversely affected physically or mentally as a result of their UN Service. Welfare Officers are available countrywide to provide assistance for those who may have difficulties in coping with burials, domestic issues and accomm-odation needs. We have a number of Drop-in Centres, some with accommodation countrywide where members and non-members are welcome to visit for advice, tea, coffee, comradeship and a friendly chat.
Remembering
To ensure the memory of those who gave their lives, service and sacrifice in the cause of peace on United Nations Service is not forgotten. To remember deceased ex-members of the Defence Forces who served at home and overseas and members of an Gardai.
We continue to erect IUNVA Memorials and secure graves countrywide.
MiSsion Statement
The main objects or charitable purposes for which the Association is established are:
The prevention or relief of poverty and economic hardship and the provision of financial relief in cases of necessity or distress to members of IUNVA and their dependants within capabilities.
To provide financial and other supports to veterans whose lives have been adversely affected as a result of service with the United Nations.
Integration of disadvantaged veterans and promotion of their full participation in society.
- To promote, for the public benefit, the commemoration of Irish citizens who have died in the cause of world peace while on service with the United Nations or on United Nations mandated missions or operations.
Subsidiary Objects
As objects incidental and ancillary to the attainment of its Main Objects, the Association shall have the following subsidiary objects:
- To promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the history of Irish participation in United Nations peace support missions and operations.
- To support, where requested, training, education and awareness within the Defence Forces and other organisations regarding overseas service and the history of Irish participation – particularly where lessons were identified or major challenges overcome – and to promote the remembrance of lost comrades through membership of the Association.
- To support commemorative and ceremonial events organised by the State, Óglaigh na hÉireann (The Defence Forces), An Garda Síochána, local authorities, local communities and other national veterans’ associations.
- To assist with academic research into Irish involvement in United Nations and United Nations mandated peace support operations and missions, and the collection and collation of archival material in this regard.
- To provide and coordinate health education courses, advice and counselling for members.
- To provide a network of support and social interaction through the organisation of social, recreational, cultural and sporting activities for members and their dependants.
- To establish, maintain and encourage contact with likeminded kindred associations and agencies in Ireland and in other countries.
- To engage and advocate with central government, local government, state and voluntary agencies in advancing the interests of the Association, its members and families of members.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the Irish United Nations Veterans Association
Through these pages we hope you will gain an insight about IUNVA and learn what the association stands for and what we are about.
There are some interesting articles in the Blog section to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re curious about who we are! what we do? we’re here to answer any questions.
Contact Information for IUNVA Museum
