In this third segment on pilgrimages, here are some examples of pilgrimages in our Marist story that are continuing to take shape. Although our short-term circumstances may limit the physical pursuits of these pilgrimages, the anticipation and preparation are just as important as the external movements towards them. They are all part of the journey.
Marcellin and his pilgrimages
The spiritual gifts of pilgrimages were instilled in Marcellin by his mother, Marie-Louise, from an early age. Although unable to travel great distances, pilgrimages to significant places of Christian history were popular throughout France in Marcellin’s time. One significant site for Marcellin and his family was La Louvesc. It is the site, of the Basilica of Saint John Francis Regis, a popular saint in France where his tomb is contained and is the site of significant religious history for the country. Currently, it also holds the incorrupt body of Saint Therese Couderc, founder of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Cenacle, and a contemporary of Marcellin.
One of the first recorded pilgrimages of Marcellin to this site came at the conclusion of one of the most difficult years of his initial education. At the end of one year, June-July, 1806, Father Perier, Superior of the seminary told him that he should not consider advanced studies. Saddened but not disheartened, Marcellin made a pilgrimage with his mother to La Louvesc, to the Tomb of Saint Regis, to implore Mary's help. During other times in his life, especially in times of difficult and seeking intercession, Marcellin would journey to this same holy place. In 1823, Br Jean-Baptiste Furet writes, “When the new troubles struck, Marcellin prescribed special prayers and called on the Community to fast for nine days on bread and water. He himself made a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint John Francis Regis at La Louvesc, interceding with him for the necessary light and strength.” According to the testimony of Madame Sériziat on Father Champagnat's pilgrimages to La Louvesc, "The good Father Champagnat went rather often on pilgrimage to La Louvesc, on foot through the mountains. On his return, which was at night, he knelt on the door-steps outside the exterior church door and, bareheaded, remained in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, awaiting in this manner, the opening of the church in order to be able to celebrate Holy Mass."
For Marcellin, a pilgrimage came at a time of great need and questioning. To journey with questions, doubts, and to ask for help are vital part of the pilgrim’s experience.
L’hermitage: the heart of Marist pilgrimages
The historical and spiritual home of the Marist Brothers, and those who follow in Champagnat’s footsteps, has always been L’Hermitage, located near the town of St-Chamond, in France. Built by Marcellin Champagnat and his first Brothers, the Brothers first moved from La Valla to the Hermitage in 1824. In 2010, the renovated Hermitage was inaugurated as a centre for Marist pilgrimage. The community welcomes and accompanies mainly Marist groups from around the world and local parish groups. It is an international community of Brothers and Laypeople, living under the same roof, sharing in a fraternal life, praying together and being co-responsible for their ministry to pilgrims. It is a special and beautiful place.
You can check out a virtual pilgrimage to Marcellin’s bedroom in the L’Hermitage, as well as the Chapel, constructed for the Feast Day of Champagnat this year: https://champagnat.org/en/dia-de-sao-marcelino-champagnat-peregrinacao-virtual/
LaValla and surroundings places
LaValla is more than a name for a building or a magazine. It is often referenced because the village, and a number of surrounding places and villages, are part of the fertile ground that gave life to the early Marist story. LaValla, Marcellin’s first parish, as well as Le Rosey, Marhles, Les Maisonettes, Le Bessat, and a number of other villages, are important sites of thousands of Marist pilgrims for decades. Being able to tread the streets where Marcellin walked is akin to travelling back in time. Walking through the harsh inclines and terrain of the mountains and hills of this area gives new insight into the conditions that led to the Memorare in the Snow story. Wadding in the cool waters of the River Gier as it cascades through the valley and refreshes the fields of L’Hermitage gives added weight to the imagery and spirituality of “Water from the Rock.” It is special country. It can be home. It can provide answers and refreshments, as well as challenges and questions. It calls you. Can you hear it?
Fourvière
Another important place of pilgrimage for Marists, across all branches of the greater Marist family, is the Marian shrine at Fourvière dedicated to Our Lady since 1170. Fourvière is an ancient site, now part of the Historic Site of Lyons World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1998. Fourvière Hill was originally the location of the Roman Forum and a temple. As early as 1168, a Christian chapel was built on the hill, which by that time had already become a Marian shrine. The chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to the medieval English Saint Thomas Becket (1118-70). Its popularity as a place of pilgrimage increased significantly after Lyon’s preservation from plague in 1643 was interpreted as an answer to the prayers of the city leaders.
The interior of the chapel, restored in 1751, has not greatly changed since this time. The Basilica was consecrated in 1896, in fulfilment of a vow by the city of Lyon, and in thanksgiving to Our Lady for protecting the city from the ravages of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, and Fourvière has always been a popular place of pilgrimage, as can be seen from the plaques placed round the wall of the chapel.
On 23rd July 1816 the twelve Marist aspirants, priests and seminarians, climbed the hill to the shrine of Our Lady of Fourvière. They placed their promise to found the Society of Mary under the corporal on the altar while Fr Jean-Claude Courveille celebrated Mass. After communion which they all received from Fr Courveille’s hand, they read out their declaration promising to devote themselves and all that they had to the foundation of the Society of Mary. On the left of the chancel is a plaque commemorating this event, and on the opposite side of the plaque commemorating the Marist Brothers (FMS). Since these early times many Marist celebrations have taken place either in this chapel or in the basilica but the first time that the four branches of the Marist Family celebrated together at Fourvière was on the 150th anniversary of the Fourvière pledge, 24 July 1966.
I hope this gives you all a taste of the concept and reality of pilgrimage in our Christian tradition. May you be inspired to continue to listen to God’s gently whisper, to pack a bag, and take those needed steps towards your personal invitations of freedom, growth and adventure.