The 2012 Chartres Pilgrimage – Day 1

There will be many reports and many photographs of the 2012 Paris to Chartres pilgrimage –  including those of the official site. Instead of offering an additional  chronicle of the three days, however, I only wish to show a few aspects of each day’s events.

After 5 in the morning on Saturday the pilgrims gathered before Notre Dame in Paris. The next three days would be very warm (85 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry.

The pilgrims assembled in their chapters in the cathedral and (generally) sit on the floor.

In a first, the pilgrimage begins with a Missa Cantata in Notre Dame. It is further alleged that this is the first Traditional Mass in Notre Dame since the 1960’s – can this be correct? The epistle and gospel are read in French. But the hymns always sound great when intoned by thousands.

In contrast to an earlier era, episcopal approval is evident.

A crowd awaits the emergence of the pilgrims from Notre Dame.

The pilgrim Virgins will be borne before the pilgrims the next three days.

Musical accompaniment for the Swiss – an Alpenhorn.

One of the first rest stops after leaving Paris. The preponderance among the pilgrims at this stage of French Boy Scouts and Guides is evident.