A new chapter participating this year in the pilgrimage (even though the emperor Charles was not the sovereign of the Holy Roman Empire!)

(Photo by  Giovanni Giannasi in Messainlatino.it)

`

This Pentecost weekend the Traditional Paris-Chartres pilgrimage takes place. This year we read of a record number of pilgrims – some 16,000 (excluding those who are not actually walking the pilgrimage trail). So many, in fact, that days ago registration needed to be closed (an unprecedented step!). Instead of one American chapter, this year there are several. Let us remember that, on this same weekend, the FSSPX leads a similar but smaller pilgrimage from Chartres to Paris.

For the Paris-Chartres Pilgrimage, these numbers would be extraordinary in ordinary times. But these times are not ordinary. For the Pope since 2021 has been conducting a war against the Catholic Traditionist movement. He seeks to exclude Traditionalists from the Catholic community – to isolate, humiliate and eventually eliminate them. As far as Pope Francis and his entourage are concerned, there can be no more talk of liturgical peace, of the coexistence of the old and new rites. Yet, despite it all, a greater number of pilgrims than ever are now undertaking this arduous journey.  

I myself have made this pilgrimage six times.1) In the early 1990’s the “Pilgrimage of Christendom” was a revelation for me: Solemn High Masses, encountering men like Michael Davies, Gary Potter, John Rao or Michael Matt, the magnificent concluding liturgy in Chartres Cathedral and above all the experience of living, singing and praying for three days among so many fellow traditionalists. 

As time went on some of the initial elan seemed to dissipate. The general structure of the pilgrimage exhibited remarkable continuity. But there were years where the number of participants stagnated, where instead of the earlier militant traditionalism with all its political ramifications efforts seemed to be more focused on securing good relations with the hierarchy, the papacy and even elements of the secular etablishment.  

By the early 2010’s these uncertainties of direction appeared to have been resolved. Perhaps this was attributable to Summorum Pontificum. By 2010-2012 the pilgrimage was more professionally managed than ever and was now welcomed in both Notre Dame de Paris and Chartres cathedrals (in the latter by the bishop himself). Bishops now celebrated the concluding liturgy in Chartres. As for the American contingent, what had once been a rather elderly group was now predominantly youthful like the vast majority of the European pilgrims. It seemed that a happy accommodation with the Church establishment had been finally achieved and a course of moderate growth by an upcoming generation assured. 

Then came Pope Francis, the Covid restrictions and Traditionis Custodes. The pilgrimage, however, survived it all and even flourished. After the Paris-Chartres pilgrimage had been suspended for two years, the local and regional chapters in France took to the streets instead. In 2022, the pilgrimage was resumed. Record numbers braved perhaps the worst weather any pilgrimage had ever experienced – but eventually battled their way through to their spiritual destination.2)

This weekend the largest group of pilgrims ever assembled begins its journey. Is the challenge of adversity needed to help the Traditionalists refocus on their roots, to rediscover what a precious gift they have been given in the Traditional liturgy? For once again the Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Christendom has become the calm, measured but militant public assertion of the Traditionalist cause. The pilgrimage has explicitly recommitted to the Traditional liturgy despite pressure from unnamed parties. The message is clear: Traditionalists are not going away! Moreover, the pilgrimage also remains absolutely committed to the restoration of “Christendom”: “the light of the Gospel projected on our countries, our families, our morality and our work.” (from the twitter account of Notre Dame de Chrétienté)

This year’s pilgrimage has attracted more attention than ever from the secular French media. And the masses at the opening and close of the pilgrimage will still be celebrated in St. Sulpice (substituting for Notre Dame de Paris during the latter’s reconstruction) and Chartres cathedral. 

I wish all the pilgrims well in the challenging yet rewarding days ahead! We will keep you in our prayers.

1. For complte coverage of several prior pilgrimages see: The 2010 Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage (last of a 4-Part Series) The Society of St Hugh of Cluny (5/31/2010); (The 2012 Chartres Pilgrimage – Conclusion (last of a 4-part report with photos) The Society of St Hugh of Cluny (6/1/ 2012)
2. “Numbers don’t Lie,” The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny (6/8/2022).

(Above) Pilgrims enduring the terrible weather of last Saturday. (Photo:Renaissance Catholique)

The 40th “Pilgrimage of Christendom” ended successfully Monday despite all the adversities of this year – from the weather and otherwise. A record number of pilgrims (at least 15,000) participated. For a report see:

Les miracles de Chartres

Now, as many of us know, on the same Pentecost weekend a pilgrimage organized by the FSSPX travels in the opposite direction – Chartres to Paris. This pilgrimage unfortunately had to be cancelled because of the storm’s effect on their camping grounds. The organizers report 4,000 were underway at the time of cancellation.

Communiqué aux valeureux pèlerins

For a more detailed report on the FSSPX pilgrimage(with dramatic pictures of the storm):

Un pèlerinage hors norme 

Now on May 29 another event ended – the German Catholic Congress (Katholikentag). This is an event organized with the full support of the German Catholic Church – indeed, most of the participants are members of Church organizations in one way or another (in that respect it resembles the L.A. Religious Education conference). As always it is a celebration of Catholic progressivism – focusing on environmentalism, the syndodal path, female clergy, LGBTQ, Ukraine, sexual abuse, etc. The Congress’s materials are written in a nearly illegible German using “gender-neutral” forms. Most of the funding for this conference comes directly or indirectly from the German government. Yet despite all this massive support by State and Church, the number of attendeees of the full Congress this year was disastrously low – around 19,000 (including 7,000 engaged in some official capacity in the Congress itself):

Nach dem Katholikentag: Zeitansage für eine krisenhafte Kirche

Der Katholikentag braucht ein kompakteres Format

( “The Katholikentag cost 10 million Euro – mostly funded by the government.” “Since the pandemic the number of those who attend church has dropped by half.“)

19,000 at the Katholikentag of the German Catholic establishment and its allied progressive forces – compared to at least 19,000 walking the two Chartres pilgrimages of Tradition. Numbers don’t lie……

With the overwhelming participation of the pilgrim faithful at the concluding liturgy in the Cathedral of Chartres.

VIDEO OF THE ENTIRE MASS

This year the many thousand pilgrims triumphed over seemingly insurmountable challenges of all kinds. Let it be a model for us!

The two traditional pentecost pilgrimages had set off today from Paris and Chartres, respectively, more numerous than ever. The vicinity of Paris was then struck by hailstorms and tremendous downpours. The camping sites for the pilgrims could not be used and 15,000 pilgrims were evacuated to other shelters.

The FSSPX pilgrimage (Chartres-Paris) has been cancelled. I do not see any aannouncement yet from Notre-Dame de Chrétienté.

Let us pray for all the pilgrims and the great unforeseen sacrifices they are making!

Orages violents dans les Yvelines : 15 000 pèlerins et 8 000 scouts sauvés des eaux (news eport)

Annulation du pèlerinage pour cause d’intempéries (announcement from the FSSPX)

Notre-Dame de Chrétienté website (with reports on the pilgrimage)

UPDATE: The direction of the Paris-Chartres pilgrimage announces the pilgrimage will resume and the Mass at Chartres on Pentecost Monday will be celebrated as scheduled.

After 2 years of suspension due to the pandemic, Notre-Dame de Chrétienté is resuming its 40^th Pentecost pilgrimage, from Paris (Saint-Sulpice church, until Notre-Dame de Paris is rebuilt) to the cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres.

Notre-Dame de Chrétienté, an independent organisation of unpaid and committed lay people, has worked towards promoting Christendom, understood to be the fulfillment within civic life of “the kingship of Christ over all creation and, in particular, over human societies” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nr 2105).

Its missionary and educational work, its initiatives for the common good, and of course the pilgrimage (which is the largest walking pilgrimage in Western Europe) are all part of a commitment to national and Christian resistance, after the example of Czestochowa. Its spirit is one of mission and reconciliation. Its three pillars are TRADITION, CHRISTENDOM and MISSION.

On June 4^th some 15 000 pilgrims (average age 21) will gather at 6 am in Paris for a 60-mile / 3-day march to the final Mass celebrated on June 6th, at 3 pm, in Chartres cathedral, by Father Andrzej Komorowski, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. Only the Traditional 
Latin Mass is celebrated during this pilgrimage, by 200 priests. 

Pilgrims walk in “chapters” (40-50 people each), grouped by parish, university, families, regions or countries. Those unable to walk or be physically present with us, pray and/or walk in the “Guardian Angels” chapters (several thousands, incl. monks, nuns, local groups of pilgrims, etc.).

The organizers of the pilgrimage conclude their appeal with this request:

“We count on your prayers for the success of this pilgrimage!”

Please find further information at:

https://www.nd-chretiente.com/index-eng.php

We all remember, I hope, the visit during Epiphany, 2013, of Bishop Athanasius Schneider to Brooklyn, New York and Norwalk CT for a series of memorable liturgies and presentations which this Society was proud to sponsor. This weekend Bishop Schneider accompanied the pilgrims on the arduous Pentecost pilgrimage from Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris to Notre Dame Cathedral of Chartres. He celebrated the mass for the pilgrims on Pentecost Sunday and preached the following SERMON. These pictures are all from the website of the pilgrimage(See below).

Source (with many more pictures): Notre-Dame de Chrétienté

Thanks to “Oivas 1” at Le Forum Catholique.

The Black Madonna or Notre Dame de Pilier.

So the 2012 pilgrimage has come to an end. Once again thanks are due to Michael Matt and the Remnant for organizing the American chapter and taking them sucessfully through all obstacles. And even greater thanks are due to the organization of Notre Dame de Chrétienté which has carried out the immense logistical work of this pilgrimage for many years now. Thanks to their work, the Chartres pilgimage maintains its status as the preeeminent Traditional Catholic celebation worldwide.

In what does this uniqueness consist? The Chartres pilgrimage is primarily a collective experience: that of withdrawing from the outside world and of marching, worshipping and resting as an organized group. And the form of worship is only what is now called the “Extraordinary Form.” It is a concrete demonstration that one does not stand alone as a Traditional Catholic, that there are other people – and other countries – sharing the same beliefs. Other pilgrimages – more “individualistic” or small group, such as the Camino – are more conducive to personal spiritual development. Such was the old students’ pilgrimage to Chartres, which Peguy began before the First World War and which died out after the Council. For, as a participant in those days – later a very senior executive at a major French enterprise – told me, the pilgrims would take a week, not 2 ½ days, to get to Chartres from Paris, and each evening would be spent in quiet conversation. Such experiences are possible but rare on the pilgrimage of Notre Dame de Chrétienté. The overall impression – other than that of one’s own fatigue – is rather that of the marching, singing and praying pilgrim community.

Over the last 20 years there has been remarkable continuity in the organization, the pilgrimage route, the location of the encampments, the divine services, the banners, the logos and even certain of the individual participants. Yet there have been shifts of emphasis. In the early 90’s the “sponsorship” of the pilgrimage was in the hands of a foundation of a more militantly counterrevolutionary and nationalist persuasion. It was at this time the pilgrimage began to attract the attention of outsiders like Gary Potter, Michael Davies and their successors, attracted to the unashamed celebration of Christendom only possible in the French counterrevolutionary tradition. By 1995 there seems to have been a distinct change of management with an increasing tendency to tone down the political edge and to pursue of greater accommodation with “Frenchchurch” and its hierarchy. Around the edges of the pilgrimage crept intrusions from the “ordinary,” “orthodox” Catholic world – pictures of John Paul II became ubiquitous, the EU was celebrated and who could forget the “singing bishop” one year trying to warm up the weary pilgrims just arrived in Chartres prior to the mass? Thankfully such excesses have disappeared in their turn. And the concept of Christendom – the union of faith, nation and political action – remains alive in the Chartres pilgrimage. Yet, for a pilgrimage having for its theme “The Family – the Cradle of Christendom” (itself a less challenging motto than those of the past!), the actions on “life issues” currently proposed by the new French government and the individuals behind them drew much less specific and forceful criticism in the sermons than they would have 20 years ago.

As for the physical pilgrimage itself and the American chapter I felt that things went smoother than ever before. After the first day the pace was reasonable, the chapter hung together and there was much more opportunity to participate in common prayer, meditation and song than in the past. And when one had to fall back one could always keep up with the energetic French groups who seem to be constantly singing. We laggards never fell too far behind. Similarly, thanks to Michael Matt’s good planning and the fair weather, the situation at the encampments was far less challenging than usual. There is always a flip side to success, however – the interaction with individuals from the various foreign countries, a main attraction of the Chartres pilgrimage, was much more limited than it had been on earlier pilgrimages. Indeed, I heard the new (to me) notion that contact with other chapters was officially “frowned upon.”

Liturgically speaking, the pilgrimage has also been remarkably consistent over the years. There have been changes of course: as Episcopal support has gradually grown, the role of the bishops has gradually increased. And this year we had a first: the mass for Saturday took place in Notre Dame itself, at the start of the pilgrimage! Yet the liturgical and musical aspects of the Pentecost Pilgrimage have remained static, while the liturgical understanding of the broader outside traditional world has come far indeed especially since Summorum Pontificum. The Pilgrimage liturgies seemed like a revelation 20 years ago to those of us who had hardly ever experienced a Solemn mass. They now, however, appear complete and correct but hardly liturgically rich or inspiring. Indeed, in many cases one now wonders about various liturgical idiosyncrasies (like the singing of a motet immediately after the consecration): are they local French traditions or more recent developments?

A final low mass in the Crypt of the Cathedral Tuesday for the American chapter forms a fitting end to the pilgrimage.

Early Monday.

The Third Day of the Pilgrimage – Pentecost Monday.

The chapter of Blessed Karl of Hapsburg -Lorraine (nice of the French – he was on the other side in the Great War).

The pilgrims assemble. On the third day many families have joined the march. It is claimed that the overall number of pilgims swelled to 10,000-15,000 on this day.

The pigrimage route crosses fields filled with flowers.

Confession in the fields during a pause in the pilgrimage.

The pilgrims are often greeted by appreciative spectators on the last day.

Because of the open and gently rolling terrain crossed on Monday a pilgrim can finally get an idea of the sheer number of participants.

It is the third day of marching in the heat and the last leg of the pilgrimage begins to take a toll.

Chartres!

Misfortune for the Americans – just as in 2010 they must sit outside in the blazing sun. ( There is a rotation of chapters who enter the cathedral each year since the cathedral cannot accomodate all the pilgrims.)

The procession to the Mass.

Dominicans

The Institute of Christ the King

His Excellency.

A weary American chapter forms for the next day’s march.

The second day is Pentecost Sunday.

The tents are dissasembed by volunteers.

The procession to the altar on Pentecost Sunday.

Transalpine Redemptorists.

Surrounded by the scouts’ ensigns and the banners of the pilgrimage.

Communion is distributed under brilliant sunshine and in sweltering heat.

Germany – the biggest banner of all!