Perhaps the most treasured work of art at the basilica is a painting of St. Thérèse, a gift from the Carmel of Lisieux to the friars of San Antonio in 1927.

He was instrumental in bringing to fruition the friars’ dream of building a national shrine to be dedicated to the newly canonized St. Thérèse.

It's recorded in Basilica archives that he went to France in 1927 to visit the sisters of St. Thérèse's Discalced Carmelite Convent in Lisieux to ask for their blessing on the project.

Along with their blessings, the nuns sent gifts, including autographed books and photos, medals, printed collection cards, relics of all degrees, and this beautiful portrait to grace the Shrine upon its opening.

Most recently it has been used by the archbishop and auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of San Antonio during special liturgies, such as feast day Masses and ordinations at the basilica.

Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, were exposed October 18, 2015 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower for public veneration for the first time on the day of the couple's canonization in Rome by the Catholic Church.

The theme of Sara and Tobias is taken from the medal that Louis Martin chose as a souvenir of his wedding with Zelie Guerin on July 13, 1858, in Notre Dame d’Alençon.