2024 YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FRANCE

ITINERARY

Day 1. Thursday, May 9: Transatlantic flight to Paris

Day 2. Friday, May 10: Paris

Welcome to France! Upon arrival into Paris, visit the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal and pray before the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Labouré, to whom Our Lady appeared in 1830 and displayed a vision of the miraculous medal. The incorrupt body of St. Louise de Marillac and the heart of St. Vincent de Paul, founders of the Daughters of Charity, also rest in this church. Nearby is the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, housing a wax figure of the saint containing his relics. Tonight, enjoy a river cruise along the Seine River before dinner. Overnight in Paris. (D)

Day 3. Saturday, May 11: Paris

Begin your day in Paris with a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Coeur in Montmartre and St. Peter de Montmartre Church. Here on this hill, St. Denis and his companions were martyred in the third century. Continue for an outside view of the renowned cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, a magnificent example of gothic architecture, sculpture and stained glass. Take a tour of the National Museum of the Middle Ages, which holds a unique combination of Gallo-Roman ruins, incorporated into a medieval mansion, and one of the world’s finest collections of medieval art. Finally, visit St-Etienne-du-Mont, the burial church of St. Genevieve, patroness of Paris. (BB, D)

Day 4. Sunday, May 12: Paris – Rouen – Caen

This morning, travel along the charming French countryside to the city of Rouen, where St. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by the English in 1431. Visit the medieval Cathedral with its famous buttresses, towers and beautiful stained-glass windows, and containing many tombs of Norman dukes and Renaissance tombs of the cardinals of Amboise. Also visit the St. Joan of Arc Museum, housed in a magnificent 15th-century archbishop’s palace, adjacent to the cathedral, where both of her trials took place. Continue to Caen for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)

Day 5. Monday, May 13: Caen. Excursion to Lisieux

Journey to Lisieux, the home of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, whom Pope Pius X called “the greatest saint of modern times.” Visit her impressive Basilica, housing the relics of her canonized parents. Tour Les Buissonets, her family home. On display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the “little flower.” Combine your prayers in the Carmel Chapel with those of the Carmelite sisters, just as St. Therese did before her death in 1897. Return to Caen for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)

Day 6. Tuesday, May 14: Caen. Excursion to Mont St. Michel

Take a full day excursion to Mont Saint-Michel, encircled by the sea, and one of the most enchanting sights in France. In 709, St. Michael the Archangel appeared to the bishop of Avranches, St. Aubert, and told him to build a chapel in his honor on the island. Walk along the Grande Rue, the pilgrims’ route followed since the 12th century, now crowded with shops and restaurants. Return to your hotel in Caen for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)

Day 7. Wednesday, May 15: Caen. Excursion to Normandy

Travel to the Normandy beaches where the Allied forces invaded France during WWII. View Omaha Beach, four miles long, by far the hardest place to land on D-day. Continue to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where 9,387 Americans soldiers are buried; and Pointe du Hoc, the German battery attacked by US rangers. After a full day’s visit, return to your hotel in Caen for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)

Day 8. Thursday, May 16: Caen – Chartres

Head to Chartres for a visit to its cathedral, an architectural wonder and one of the best preserved medieval Catholic monuments in the western world. Chartres Cathedral holds one of the greatest treasures: the Holy Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary, miraculously preserved during a fire in 1194. Admire the glorious collection of over 150 stained glass windows, illustrating biblical passages and daily life in the 13th century. Dinner and overnight in Chartres. (BB, D)

Day 9. Friday, May 17: Begin Walking Pilgrimage Chartres-Paris (65 miles)

Join thousands of SSPX pilgrims walking from Chartres to Paris. Breakfast is included and consists of bread and milk/coffee. For lunch, bread and water will be provided. For dinner, there will be hot soup, bread, and water. Overnight will be in tents along the way (provided); pilgrims will need to bring their own sleeping bag, a soup bowl, and a cup/mug for your coffee/milk. Water will be provided throughout the day. (BB)

Day 10. Saturday, May 18: Walking Pilgrimage Chartres-Paris (65 miles)

Continue on the SSPX walking pilgrimage. Overnight will be in tents along the way. Meals as described on previous day.

Day 11. Sunday, May 19: End of Walking Pilgrimage of Chartres-Paris

Walk the last leg of the pilgrimage to Paris. Meals as described above. After a Mass of thanksgiving, pilgrims will be transferred to their Paris hotel for a farewell dinner and overnight. (FD)

Day 12. Monday, May 20: Homebound flight

Transfer to Charles De Gaulle airport for your flight home.