The ‘M of Mary’ Pilgrimage: A Spiritual Journey Through the Marian Shrines of France

The pilgrimage links five major Marian shrines across France, forming an ‘M’ on the map in homage to the Holy Mary. The route invites pilgrims to embark on a profound spiritual journey, while discovering the country's religious and cultural heritage.

The origins of the ‘Marian Sanctuaries of France’ pilgrimage go back to the Middle Ages.

Origins of the ‘M de Mary’ pilgrimage

The ‘M de Mary’ pilgrimage was born in response to a series of Marian apparitions that marked France in the 19th century. These apparitions, which occurred over a period of 46 years, left a strong spiritual imprint on the hearts of believers. It is said that the geography of these apparitions, when connected on a map, forms the letter ‘M’, the initial of Mary. This sign has inspired the creation of a spiritual itinerary across France, linking five major shrines.

The pilgrimage, imagined as a way of getting to know the Virgin Mary, will take place in the heart of France.

This pilgrimage, designed to honour the Holy Mary, is in the tradition of the great spiritual routes such as Santiago de Compostela. However, the ‘M of Mary’ is distinguished by its attachment to recognised apparitions of the Holy Mary, reinforcing the symbolism of a route that leads pilgrims to rediscover their faith and the Marian figure.

The ‘M of Mary’ Pilgrimage: Five Emblematic Shrines

The ‘M of Mary’ pilgrimage links five Marian shrines of major importance: Lourdes, Pontmain, Pellevoisin, Paris (Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse), and La Salette. These places are each associated with recognised Marian apparitions and attract thousands of faithful each year in search of spirituality and healing.

• Lourdes: The Marian shrine at Lourdes is one of the most visited in the world. The site of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous, Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims every year, who come to pray and seek healing.
• Pontmain: This village is famous for the apparition of the Holy Mary to four children in 1871. Since then, Pontmain has become a place of peace and reconciliation.
• Pellevoisin: The Virgin appeared here to Estelle Faguette in 1876, miraculously healed. This shrine is a symbol of hope and renewed faith.
• Paris, Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse: At Rue du Bac, the Our Lady appeared to Catherine Labouré in 1830. This iconic site attracts the faithful every day to pray before the Miraculous Medal.
• La Salette: Located in the Alps, this shrine is the site of an apparition of the Virgin in 1846. La Salette is a shrine of recollection and conversion.

These shrines are not just pilgrimage destinations, but also stages on the road to spiritual renewal. The journey through these places invites pilgrims to pray, meditate and reconnect with their faith.

A Unique Spiritual and Human Experience

The ‘M of Mary’ pilgrimage is not just a physical journey; it is a true journey of faith. Travelling this route, whether on foot, by bicycle or in a horse-drawn carriage, pilgrims embark on a journey lasting several months, marked by daily prayers, masses and moments of recollection. Walking becomes a way of reconnecting with God, but also of experiencing fraternity with other believers.

In 2020, the organisation of the pilgrimage took on a national dimension, mobilising hundreds of volunteers and bringing together thousands of pilgrims in a collective faith journey. This human dimension reinforces the feeling of belonging to a living community, united by devotion to Mary.

The route passes through a variety of landscapes, from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Alps to the French countryside. This geographical diversity reflects the cultural and spiritual richness of France, and allows pilgrims to discover or rediscover the country's religious heritage.

The ‘M de Mary’: A Pilgrimage with a Promising Future

Although only recently launched, the ‘M de Mary’ pilgrimage already seems to be establishing itself as a not-to-be-missed event for believers in search of spiritual renewal. Thanks to the popularity it is generating, particularly in 2020, this pilgrimage could become an annual tradition, following in the footsteps of the famous Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela.

With the media coverage of the event, more and more of the faithful are discovering this new spiritual path. The ‘M de Mary’ offers a modern way of living the Catholic faith, while respecting ancient traditions, and attracts a wider audience every year. This pilgrimage thus embodies a balance between tradition and innovation, combining spiritual recollection with the challenges of modernity.

Conclusion

The ‘M of Mary’ pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Holy Mary in France. Through five major shrines, this spiritual journey allows pilgrims to renew their faith, discover the country's religious heritage and enjoy a powerful collective experience. This fast-growing pilgrimage promises to become a not-to-be-missed event for believers in search of spirituality and closeness to Mary.

For more information on Marian pilgrimages, also check out our article on the Assumption pilgrimage.

Prayer to the Holy Mary for the Pilgrimage of the ‘M of Mary’

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, we turn to you on this pilgrimage of the ‘M of Mary’, you who guide us with love and kindness along the paths of faith.

May this journey through your sacred shrines be for each of us an opportunity for spiritual renewal, recollection and a closer relationship with your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Grant us the grace to open our hearts to your intercession, so that we may feel your maternal presence throughout our journey. May our prayers, our sufferings and our joys be offered to you as a sign of our unshakeable faith.

May this pilgrimage be a path of peace, brotherhood and union in the love of Christ. Guide our steps, O Mary, and help us to walk humbly in the footsteps of your Son, so that we may be living witnesses to his light and mercy.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, protect us, and accompany us on this journey of faith.

Amen.