|
Paris - Chartres Pilgrimage June 6 – 32th ,2014! |
|
Advance Planning is Essential!! |
|
The Paris -Chartres Pilgrimage is a three-day walk from Notre Dame du Paris to Notre Dame du Chartres, approximately 75 miles. Pilgrims are organized into groups of 20-65 people, that are referred to as "chapters". The "walk" is through the streets of Paris, and then into the countryside. It can be muddy, rocky, and demanding-and the rewards of such a penitential exercise are eternal. Good sturdy shoes are a must. Each chapter is accompanied by at least one chaplain, who hears confession and gives spiritual direction to each pilgrim who avails himself of the priest's presence. This pilgrimage originated in the 12th century, with interruptions for the various European wars. A plenary indulgence is granted, under the usual conditions. This is an incredible experience, one that feeds the soul and truly may change your life. Pilgrims will meet in front of Notre Dame de Paris at 6 a.m. on May 18, and the journey of faith and foot begins. previous pilgrimages. Click here for the Notre Dame de Chretiente (NDC) website. |
|
Planning for 2014: |
|
Planning has already begun! For those interested in this amazing (and very penitential) experience:
Unfortunately, the Lanfranchi family, which has helped lead the UV-OC chapter for several years in the past, will not be going to France this year. This leaves a couple of options:
1. Join the Remnant chapter the morning of the pilgrimage - you only need to pay the $100 (or around that amount) Notre Dame du Chretiente registration fee, or
2. Join up with the Irish Chapter. They are a phenomenal group, very dynamic and fun. Contact Peadar Laighleis at peadarx@web.de .
3. You may register on the Notre Dame de Chretiente website, if you leave enough time (8 weeks). There are pilgrim armbands that must be worn for the pilgrimage, and no-one is admitted without it, for security reasons. If you are unable to pre-register in time to have the armband sent to you in the U.S., it may be sent to wherever your accommodations are in France, it can be waiting with your chapter leader, or you can register on the morning of May 30 on-site, in front of Notre Dame de Paris.
If you wish to join the pilgrimage while it is in progress, for instance on the last day, arrangements can be made for a rendez-vouz. They must be made ahead of time, however, and your armband must be purchased ahead of time as there is no way to purchase it once the pilgrimage is underway. One may join the pilgrimage for the last day at the beginning, midway, or just prior to entering Chartres, depending on the ability to walk. Also, a chapter must be arranged ahead of time for you to join up with, i.e. either the Irish, English, or Remnant chapters. Transportation to the rendez-vouz point is via the train system in paris to Chartres, with cars (driven by the many wonderful volunteers) to take you to a pre-arranged meeting spot. Please, contact us at secretary@uvoc.org to arrange this as soon as possible.
The actual 3-day pilgrimage will be May 18-20. Pilgrims meet, as usual, in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris at 6 a.m. on May 18th. Please contact us if interested in experiencing this awesome penitential event. secretary@uvoc.org .
UVOC is not a travel agency, but we are willing to serve as a resource and coordinate your trip and help with finding airfare, accommodations and make other recommendations. Passports must be obtained on your own. Some helpful sites:
For Passport information:Travel State
For good prices on airfares:Cheapoair
Hotels - European in nature-small and expensive, by U.S. standards. There are 5 well located (i.e. short walking distance to Notre Dame-very important at 6 a.m. on May 26th) hotels we are somewhat familiar with:Hotel St. Merry We encourage families, and renting an apartment is a great way to keep costs down and manage the trip with the little people (a.k.a. children). Please copy & paste the following link, and keep a map of Paris nearby! |