France

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France: A Sacred Journey Through Marian Shrines and Miracles

France has long been a center of Marian devotion, and on this leg of our Marian Shrines of Portugal, Spain, and France pilgrimage, you will visit some of the country’s most significant spiritual sites. From the healing waters of Lourdes to the breathtaking alpine sanctuary of La Salette, this journey through France offers a profound connection to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the rich Catholic heritage of the country.

Lourdes: A Place of Miracles and Healing

The pilgrimage in France begins in Lourdes, one of the most important Marian shrines in the world. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous at the Grotto of Massabielle, where she instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground, revealing a spring of water that has since been associated with miraculous healings. Millions of pilgrims come to Lourdes each year to bathe in these healing waters and to pray at the grotto.

During our time in Lourdes, we will visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where you can offer prayers at the very site of the apparitions. Holy Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, one of the three basilicas that make up the sanctuary. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the evening Rosary and Candlelight Procession, a moving experience that unites thousands of pilgrims in prayer and devotion.

In addition, we will visit the sites associated with St. Bernadette’s life, including her childhood home at the Boly Mill and the Cachot, a former jail where her impoverished family lived during the apparitions. These visits offer insight into the life of the humble girl who became one of the most beloved saints in Catholic history. The day in Lourdes will provide ample time for personal prayer and reflection, as well as the opportunity to visit the healing baths.

La Salette: A Sanctuary in the French Alps

From Lourdes, our pilgrimage takes us to the stunning alpine sanctuary of La Salette, where the Virgin Mary appeared to two young shepherds, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, in 1846. The message of Our Lady of La Salette called for repentance and a return to the observance of Sundays as a day of rest and reverence for God. The remote and peaceful location of La Salette, nestled high in the French Alps, creates a serene atmosphere for prayer and contemplation.

At La Salette Shrine, we will celebrate Holy Mass in the basilica and visit the spring that marks the location of the apparitions. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the spring’s waters, which are believed to hold special graces. The sanctuary also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, providing a perfect setting for personal reflection and devotion. La Salette is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a haven of natural beauty, where pilgrims can walk along mountain trails and experience the peaceful presence of the Virgin Mary in the midst of nature.

Marseille: A City of History and Devotion

The final stop on our pilgrimage through France is the coastal city of Marseille, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a place with deep religious roots. Here, you will visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched high above the city and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Known as the “Good Mother” of Marseille, the basilica is a symbol of protection for sailors and the people of the city. Inside, you’ll find beautifully adorned mosaics and numerous ex-votos, or offerings of thanksgiving, left by those who have received favors and protection through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

Marseille also offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of southern France, with its bustling port, diverse neighborhoods, and historic landmarks. After our visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde, there will be time to explore the city’s vibrant streets and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere before we conclude our pilgrimage and prepare for the journey home.