Pilgrimage from Lisieux to Alençon: “Following Saints Louis and Zélie, growing love on a path of holiness”

On the occasion of the feast of Saints Louis and Zélie on July 12 and the 10th anniversary of their canonization on October 18, the Louis & Zélie Shrine of Alençon and the Saint Therese Shrine of Lisieux are organizing a pilgrimage walk between Lisieux and Alençon, from July 7 to 12, to accompany a reliquary of the Martin couple to the Basilica of Alençon, in the presence of the Bishops of Séez, Mgr Feillet, and of Bayeux-Lisieux, Mgr Habert. Save the date!

Setting out on a journey is characteristic of someone searching for the meaning of life. A pilgrimage on foot is very conducive to rediscovering the value of silence, effort, and the essential.

Pope Francis, Spes non confundit, 5

Pilgrims of hope to accompany the relics

At the heart of the Jubilee Year which invites us to be pilgrims of hope, the sanctuaries of Lisieux and Alençon are organizing a walk, from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 July, between Lisieux and Alençon to, in the school of Saints Louis and Zélie, Saint Thérèse and the holy scriptures, meditate on love in all its dimensions (filial, fraternal, conjugal, parental, social and ecclesial) which has its source in divine love.

A theme that will be developed every day, in stages and as we walk, to help us make our life a path of holiness.

A hike for everyone

This pilgrimage is open to all, regardless of our state of life: families, couples, singles, widows, consecrated persons.

A participation à la carte

Starting from Lisieux, the route consists of several stages between Calvados and Orne, between 15 and 20 km per day: Auquainville, Vimoutiers, Exmes, Sées, Semallé and Alençon.

Bishops Feillet and Habert will accompany the march from the junction stage of one diocese to the other, at Lisores, and will preside over a mass in Vimoutiers.

You can participate in the entire route or join a specific section depending on your physical abilities. The reservations team will be available to help you tailor your pilgrimage plan.

At each stage, pilgrims will sleep in their tents, outdoors, or in shelters. Access to amenities is provided at each stopover site. A sweeper service will transport luggage from one stage to the next. For those participating in only one section, it will even be possible to return to their vehicle at the start.

Meals will be provided by the organizing team to those who wish, particularly those participating in the pilgrimage as a whole. Day pilgrims may bring their own picnic lunch.

A typical day's schedule

• Lauds
• Topo 1/2 on the theme of the day
• Walk (rosary, fraternities, songs, etc.) of approximately 10 km
• Lunch
• Topo 2/2
• Walk of approximately 10 km
• Sharing
• Vespers
• Dinner
• Vigil

A festive weekend upon arrival!

On Saturday, July 12, the feast of Saints Louis and Zélie, after its visit to Semallé where Thérèse had been placed in wet nurse, the reliquary will leave in procession from the family home in Alençon to the Basilica.

In the afternoon, there will be times for visits and worship, as well as a lecture by the Bishop of Ajaccio, Cardinal François Bustillo, guest of honor, followed by solemn mass and a vigil.

Les inscriptions sont closes. Pour rejoindre le pèlerinage sur une journée, contactez le 02 33 26 09 87 ou sanctuary@louisetzelie.com