For the first time, a group of pilgrims from the North American apostolates of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest participated in the 42nd Chartres Pilgrimage in France. This “Chapter” of thirty souls, led by Canon Benoit Jayr, from apostolates in Michigan, California, Louisiana and Wisconsin, joined the 18,000 pilgrims walking from Paris to Chartres on Pentecost weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

The pilgrims carried the prayers of our country’s joys and hopes to the feet of our Blessed Mother to the Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral. For each of the three days, pilgrims walked, prayed, laughed, shared stories, helped and urged each other, chanted and sang through the city streets and suburbs of Paris, then through the countryside of France, through woods, farm fields, and hamlets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They endured heavy rains, mud and dusty heat before arriving at Chartres, singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic – the uniquely American contribution to the various and many songs and chants from throughout Europe and the world. Although each land brough its beautiful songs, all came together as one during the Latin Mass offered each day.