IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MONTFORT: A PILGRIMAGE TO WESTERN FRANCE
Father Hugh Gillespie Invites You
to Join Him on His Upcoming Pilgrimage:
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. LOUIS de MONTFORT
This journey is not simply a tour of sacred sites, but a deep spiritual immersion into the life, writings, and Marian Spirituality of one of the Catholic Church’s greatest saints. Walking in the footsteps of St. Louis de Montfort, pilgrims are invited into a rhythm of prayer, retreat, silence, teaching, and sacramental life, culminating in a profound renewal of devotion to Jesus through Mary.
See Full Brochures Below
From celebrating Mass at Saint-Sulpice, where St. Louis de Montfort celebrated his first Mass, to praying at Chartres Cathedral, retreating at the Mother House of the Montfortian Missionaries, and venerating the saint’s tomb in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, this pilgrimage offers rare access to places central to his mission and legacy. Extended retreat days allow space for interior conversion, reflection, and true encounter with God, something rarely possible in faster-paced pilgrimages.
The journey is further enriched by visits to Mont Saint-Michel, Poitiers, Pontchâteau, and Montfort-sur-Meu, uniting France’s rich Catholic heritage with the saint’s call to holiness, humility, and total consecration to Our Lady.
This pilgrimage is ideal for those seeking more than sightseeing, for those longing to slow down, to be formed, and to rediscover their faith at a deeper level. It is a pilgrimage of the heart, guided by the words and witness of St. Louis de Montfort:
Open to All Who Practice Montfort Spiritualty
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Island announces an upcoming pilgrimage . . .
. . . commemorating the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to western France, where he prayed at the tomb of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, the founder of the Community of Mary … the Montfort Fathers.
To mark the anniversary this September, Father Felix and Fr. Hugh are organizing a two-week pilgrimage (including travel days) for a group from North America. The centerpiece of the journey will be a week spent in Saint Laurent sur Sèvre, featuring not only visits to sites connected with St. Louis-Marie de Montfort’s life and ministry but also a retreat-style experience rather than a simple tour. Fr, Hugh notes that this type of pilgrimage has rarely, if ever, been offered in English from North America, making it a unique opportunity.
The brief video discusses this pilgrimage. Again, this is available to all who practice the Spiritualty of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.
See the two brochures for specifics. If you have questions, please reach out to Nadine. Her contact email and cell are included in the brochures.
To Jesus Through Mary
Video Announcing Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage Brochure #1
Pilgrimage Brochure #2
