Tweet

Share on Thumblr

PARIS — It's day one of the Year of Faith Marian Pilgrimage to France, and so far the pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte have only been in the City of Lights for eight hours since landing at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. They're not letting unfamiliar soundings, a language barrier or sleep deprivation deprive them of discovering the treasures of our Catholic faith.

As soon as the more than 40 men, women and children collected their bags, they boarded a bus in the misty rain and headed for the heart of Paris. They were all a bit sleepy-eyed after traveling – first to Philadelphia, then to Paris for the overnight eight-hour flight overseas — but they were in good spirits.

First stop – the Basilica of St. Denis (pictured above) the first bishop of Paris.

Not even the rain could dampen their spirits when they saw the magnificent basilica and toured the inside, going downstairs to the crypt.

When asked what he thought of the basilica and all the royalty entombed there, teen Jordan Hartle exclaimed, "Cool!"

Celeste Richards, the Discalced Secular Carmelite, was taking photos of the X-century basilica with her iPad.

"It's just so beautiful!" she said with a smile.

At the end of the basilica tour, pilgrims paused in a heartfelt prayer led by Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

"We pray in thanksgiving for our safe travels here; to Our Lady for bringing us here safely; for our bishop, Peter Jugis; our retired bishop – Bishop Curlin; and our deceased bishops of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Begley and Bishop Donoghue."Carolyn Franks observes the incorrupt body of St. Vincent de Paul. (Photos by SueAnn Howell)

After the pilgrims dropped off their bags at the hotel they had some free time to grab a bite to eat or explore before meeting up at Mass.

Ken and Carolyn Franks, parishioners at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, had a plan as to how they were going to spend the precious free time.

They hopped on the Metro and zipped around Paris visiting the incorrupt saint, St. Vincent de Paul.

"This is just so incredible," exclaimed Carolyn upon finding the church after a bit of a search.

Ruben Tamayo and his wife, Aida, also made it to the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul. They are parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul in Charlotte and work in the youth ministry and faith formation at their parish.

"I'm so glad we got to see him," said Aida.

The Franks also hopped on a couple of Metro trains to get up to the Church of St. Etienne du Mont which houses the remains of St. Genevieve.

Blessed Pope John Paul II is pictured in prayer there during his pontificate.

Later in the day, at the first Mass of the pilgrimage, the youngest members of the group served the altar for Father Reid. Andrew and David Beckert, and also Jordan Hartle served the first Mass for the pilgrims at Notre Dame des Champs Church.

Jordan Hartle, center, and Andrew and David Beckert served the first Mass of the pilgrimage at Notre Dame des Champs Church. To see their small bodies which appeared to look so small kneeling in prayer in the sanctuary below the towering image of Notre Dame des Champs was a beautiful sight.

The only thing left on the list to accomplish at the end of day one: dinner and much needed sleep.

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer

Join in the Journey in Faith: A Marian Pilgrimage to France

Come along with us on this virtual pilgrimage to France as we journey "to Jesus through Mary."

See more photos, learn about the people and places of the Church in France and the devotions they inspired and see the journey through the pilgrims' eyes:  http://triptofrance.tumblr.com/