A Pilgrimage to France Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Ethan Southard

Today we board our overnight flights with beverages and snacks served aloft.

Upon arrival in Paris, we are greeted by our representative and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we start with a stunning example of Gothic architecture that took two centuries and armies of medieval workers to complete – The Notre Dame Cathedral. After Mass, we visit Sainte-Chapelle “Holy Chapel”, and its stained-glass, which is considered the best of their type in the world. Later in the afternoon, we visit the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower.

This morning we leave to Rue de Bac church for Mass, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré and requested the creation of the medal which came to be known as the Miraculous Medal. Then we head to St Vincent de Paul church, built in the 19th century on the site of the ancient Saint-Lazare enclosure. The enclosure was occupied by Saint Vincent de Paul and the Congregation de la Mission from 1632 to 1793 – it was here that he had lived and worked. After lunch, continue to The Chartres Cathedral, one of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture; almost perfectly preserved in its original design and details. The Cathedral has housed the tunic of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sancta Camisia, since 876. The relic was said to have been given to the cathedral by Charlemagne, who received it as a gift during a trip to Jerusalem.

This morning, travel to Caen to visit the shrine dedicated to St. John Eudes and explore the sites significant to his ministry, including the seminary he founded. Spend time reflecting at this spiritually important location. We then visit the historic Normandy Landing beaches, where the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the Allied liberation of Europe during World War II. Then, stop at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer to honor the American troops who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. Return to Lisieux for dinner and overnight.

This morning we transfer to Mont Saint-Michel, a stunning island monastery known as “The Wonder of the Western World.” Built at the request of St. Michael the Archangel in 709, it has been a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries. In the afternoon, we transfer to the Village of Ri and celebrate Mass at the church where St. John Eudes was baptized and learn about his early life We then return to Lisieux for dinner and overnight.

This morning, wake up in Lisieux, the home of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, also known as “The Little Flower.” Begin your day with a visit to the Basilica of St. Thérèse, a magnificent church dedicated to her life and spirituality. Explore the Carmelite Convent, where St. Thérèse lived as a nun, and reflect at her tomb. Visit Les Buissonnets, her childhood home, to gain insight into her early life and family. In the afternoon, depart for Nevers, traveling through the beautiful French countryside. Arrive in the evening, settle into your hotel, and enjoy a restful dinner.

This morning, visit Nevers, an important pilgrimage site. Explore the Convent of St. Gildard, home to the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette Soubirous, the visionary of Lourdes. Spend time in prayer at her shrine and learn about her life and sanctity through the exhibits at the convent. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the convent gardens, a space that St. Bernadette herself cherished. After this spiritually enriching visit, journey south to Rocamadour, a stunning hilltop village clinging to a cliff above the Alzou River Gorge. En route, take in the beautiful French countryside and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Today is dedicated to exploring Rocamadour, one of France’s most remarkable pilgrimage destinations. Begin your visit at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rocamadour, where the famous Black Madonna, a revered 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, draws pilgrims from around the world. Take the Grand Escalier (Great Staircase), traditionally climbed by pilgrims on their knees, and visit the Basilica of St. Sauveur and the Chapel of Notre Dame. Learn about the site’s miraculous history, including the role it played in inspiring faith and devotion throughout the centuries. Remainder of the day free to stroll the picturesque streets of this medieval village, taking in its rich history and breathtaking views of the valley below.

This morning, depart Rocamadour and travel to Toulouse, where you’ll visit the stunning Basilica of St. Sernin, a major stop on the Way of St. James. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch at Place du Capitole, the city’s lively central square surrounded by charming cafés. In the afternoon, continue to Lourdes, a sacred site where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest before dinner. In the evening, join the beautiful Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary, a moving experience uniting pilgrims in faith.

Grotto of Massabielle, Basilica of St. Pius X, Baths, Candlelight Procession: Begin the day with Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. Afterward, take an official group photo in front of the Basilica before enjoying a guided tour of Lourdes. Visit the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world’s largest underground church, and the Baths, where thousands of miraculous healings have been reported. In the afternoon, participate in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Blessing of the Sick, if available that day.

Enjoy a free day in Lourdes to pray, reflect, or revisit sites that moved you. Optional activities include attending additional Masses, exploring the surrounding areas, or spending quiet time at the Grotto.

Today we board our return flights home with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.