I have just received a link to these photographs of the Chartres Pentecost Pilgrimage.I have always wanted to slip across the Channel and join in. I am not sure I would want to do the hike from Paris, sleeping under canvas I gave up years ago.
What impresses me is the youth of the participants.
Tradition is young!
10 comments:
Oh Father, the photos are amazing, when is the Chartres pilgrimage and could we arrange for a group of our youngsters from Blackfen to attend. You speak fluent french so there wouldn't be a language barrier. You would, of course, come with us to supervise our tearaways?
Just a thought for next year.
They always have good weather and what beautiful green countryside it passes through.
I made this pilgrimage in 1992 and it was a pivotal experience for me. I promised myself then I would try to do it every year. Alas, it's not been so. I was younger then and the rigours of hiking that far daily were demanding. Nevertheless I would love to do it again and recommend it to any and all. Martial USA
I have been looking at the website of the pilgrimage and see that in the section 'Les Clercs' it states that 'Ils beneficient de conditions particulieres pour leur hebergement et leur alimentation.'
So Fr Ray if you joined it it looks as if you would not be expected to sleep under canvas or live on baked beans! But it would of course be advisable to check first!
It must be a wonderful sight seeing the Cathedral rising up from the flat plains of the Beauce after such a walk. As it is on a slight incline it is visible for miles around. It is truly one of the wonders of the world and all the more extraordinary when you consider that the magnificent windows were removed for safety either before or during the Second world War.
I am really up for going to Chartres. I didn't get to go this year, but hopefully next year, and I know there's a Scottish group interested in going. At the same time, I know some folks from Blackfen and wouldn't mind hooking up with all you guys!
Have been reading more about the Chartres pilgrimages - there are in fact two. The FSSPX one goes from Chartres to Paris in the opposite direction and I wondered whether they met at some point and what happened when they did. Apparently some of the pilgrims do meet up.
How sad that there is not just the one pilgrimage. Perhaps one day ...
I had always been under the impression it was just for students but apparently the ages range from 6 to 77! The average is from 20 - 40 as the distance covered is 100 km so quite gruelling.
I think about 80% of the pilgrims were under 35 (the huge amount of scouts helped, of course).
And the priests are indeed coddled! They get a camp bed in a huge shared tent and a cold tray lunch. And all you have to do is walk in the blistering sun for ten hours a day. In cassock, surplice and stole, of course, because you'll be hearing confessions at least 25% of the time.
This was my first time, and it was the best time of my life, hands down. I hope it won't be my last, but I will have to do some talking to be allowed next year...
(Et Expecto: one of my chapter-mates told me they had enormous rains a few years ago, and all the Dominicans ended up looking like Carmelites from the mud :) )
I see Fr Finigan has commented on the two pilgrimages saying that if they ever became one then people would argue for the next century which way they should go! Paris to Chartres or Chartres to Paris.
From the comments, it appears that there is little knowledge of the fact that there have been British chapters present at the Pilgrimage for the past 16 years. This year's three/four British Chapters totted up to 120 (including a group of 14 imported Americans). There were also 6 priests and a Religious Sister accompanying the group. Particularly gratifying was the strong Juventutem Chapter (consisting of young adults aged 18 to 30ish) a full 60 strong. There were a group of 13 University students from Scotland for the first time, many of whom were being exposed to Tradition for the first time. There was also a blind lady who was able to walk nearly all of the way. In addition to the beautiful French pilgrimage, the British chapters were also able to provide 3 EF Masses in the Crypt of Westminster Cathedral before departure (and the Cathedral was able to provide everything!) and 4 EF Masses in the Crypt of Chartres Cathedral on the morning following the Pilgrimage proper, including a Missa Cantata for the main group in the very ancient shrine of Notre Dame de Sous Terre --the oldest shrine to Our Lady in the world. If you want to join for next year, early application is recommended to Chartres@duc-in-altum.co.uk. This year's coach was full a month before. Notre Dame de Chartres, Ora Pro Nobis!
Francis:
I did know there were British groups, but I didn't know the size! Deo gratias!
Post a Comment