The 43rd Annual Pilgrimage Paris-Chartresin France, he concluded on Monday with a solemn major mass in the Chartres Cathedral, marking the end of a three -day record crossing that brought together 19,000 participants, the greatest assistance in the more than forty years of history of the event.
The three -day walk from Paris to Chartres represents a demanding challenge – both physical as spiritual – that continues to attract a growing number of young Catholics in search of deeper spiritual experiences.
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Organized by the Association Our Lady of Christianity (Our Lady of Christianity), the pilgrimage began on Saturday, June 7 in the Church of Saint-Sulpix in Paris and concluded in the Gothic Cathedral, which houses the sacred relic of the veil of the Virgin Mary.
The bishop of Chartres, Mons. Philippe Chistory, pronounced the homily at the Mass of Clausura, held by the Abbé Jean of Massia FSSP, general chaplain of the pilgrimage.
ReportedlyMons. Chistory told the pilgrims before the Mass: “We know that Pope León prays so that every pilgrim living a personal encounter with Christ.”
The registration for this year’s pilgrimage was closed Five days after openingwhich made a waiting list of 2,000 additional participants necessary. The average age of pilgrims was 20 years, reflecting a broader trend among young Catholics who incline the traditional liturgy.
“The enthusiasm that all the pilgrimage opportunities in France –Stepacely aimed at young people – is a joy for the Church and a sign of their vitality,” said the French Episcopal Conference.
The growth of the event in recent years has been remarkable, from 16,000 participants in 2023 to 18,000 in 2024 and now to 19,000 in 2025.
Philippe Darantière, President of Our Lady of ChristianityHe indicated that organizers are already planning structural changes by 2026 in order to host an even greater number of people.
The pilgrimage maintained its traditional character, with more than 300 masses in Latin celebrated during the three days. The participants walked approximately 100 kilometers through the French countryside, praying the rosary and camping at night in designated places. More than 1,000 volunteers and 120 responsible for Our Lady of Christianity They supported the pilgrims during their journey.
The closing ceremony coincided with the celebration of the thousand years of the Chartres Cathedral, allowing pilgrims to pass through the holy doors and venerate the relic of the veil of the Virgin Mary.
The association Our Lady of Christianity The Sacred Heart of Jesus was also consecrated, commemorating the 350th anniversary of the appearances of Christ to Santa Margarita María de Alacoque.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.
AC Wimmer
AC Wimmer is a founder in the founder of CNA Deutsch. This Australian polyglot, raised in Bavaria and South Africa, occupied high positions in the SBS of Australia and was editor in chief of the historic Münchner Kirchenzeitung. Bachelor of Chinese Philosophy and Studies from the University of Melbourne, Anian Christoph Wimmer – Chinese Name 刘威猛 – was part of the jury of the Media Prize of the German Episcopal Conference, is former honorary researcher in communications at the University of Melbourne and was part of the Caritas Council in Munich.