In honor of St. Jean Marie de Vianney, whose exemplary life as a parish priest was cited by Pope Benedict XVI when he proclaimed the Year for Priests, hundreds of faithful and friends of the Institute gathered on Saturday, April 17, for a pilgrimage to Ars. There in the town in which St. Jean Marie Vianney ministered to souls his entire priestly life his incorrupt body is venerated today.

On this bright Saturday morning, hundreds of faithful joined the pilgrimage from Institute apostolates all around France, where the Institute has a presence in twenty dioceses,  and from countries beyond, including the United States.  The pilgrimage began with a Rosary Procession along the country road approaching the town of Ars. Led by the superiors of the Institute and priests in their choir habit, followed by seminarians, Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Sovereign Priest, then the faithful, the procession of pilgrims extended for a quarter of a mile.

Along the same country roads and the same village streets familiar to the footsteps of the holy saint over a hundred years ago, decades upon decades of the Rosary were offered by the pilgrims. Upon arrival at the Basilica of Ars, a Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Gilles Wach,  Founder and Prior General, before the incorrupt body of St. Jean Marie Vianney. Monsignor gave an inspiring sermon, reminding us to continually seek the intercession of St. Jean Marie Vianney, especially for our priests. In the unity of the Institute's family of world-wide apostolates, many intentions of the faithful of the Institute, including those who could not attend, were offered at Holy Mass.

A festive luncheon followed. In a congenial atmosphere, faithful from many Institute apostolates gathered to share a meal and conversation, as families do.

Late afternoon Vespers and Benediction, offered by Msgr. Wach, concluded this beautiful Institute  pilgrimage to Ars.