Pilgrims indeed: for THE NATIONAL JUBILEE OF CONSECRATED LIFE, on 6 and 7 September, under a radiant sun, we climbed the 222 steps to the Basilica of Montmartre in Paris, along with a thousand other consecrated persons from all over France.
Pilgrims of hope? Up there, two voices crossed paths, inviting us to trust, because the path of peace is a path of humanity, faith and fraternity, a path travelled not alone but in communities with such diverse faces. The little flame of hope shone brightly throughout those hours.
On the second day of our pilgrimage, a storm lamp reminded our small group walking towards Saint Sulpice that a Friend accompanies us and also that our steps sometimes slow down because of the stones and the wind… A passer-by relit it for us during a break in a square.
The joy of getting to know each other and sharing in complete confidence: hope is nourished by such simple and genuine human encounters.
Pilgrims on the path to peace: Of all the forms of consecrated life*, these thousand people seemed to us to bear witness, along the streets and at the heart of the celebrations, to a possible unity in diversity.
A mosaic was created by all the consecrated persons, each one sticking a piece to express this unity.
Lord… may my hope be alive and radiant, and through it may I bear witness to your love in the world.’ (Prayer during the walk).
Anne-Geneviève and Marie-Thérèse, Provincial Council France-Belgium – Saint-Brieuc.
Published on 12 September 2025
*Forms of consecrated life present:
– Apostolic and monastic religious life – Hermits – Secular institutes – Consecrated widows – Consecrated virgins – Lay people consecrated within associations of the faithful.
