I have recently returned from the pilgrimage to Chartres. I was privileged to be the chef de chapitre of one of the Juventutem (Youth) Chapters, under the patronage of St Edward the Confessor, and the Spiritual Direction of Fr Mark Withoos.
Most of the Chapter were young Americans, and they made excellent company, as did Annie, my eldest daughter, and the only one of our children able to come this year, due to exams etc (the others were most upset...)
As ever the pilgrimage was a great occasion: some 8000 pilgrims marching from Notre Dame de Paris to Notre Dame de Chartres, some 65 miles over the three days; Mass in the traditional (Extraordinary) rite in the middle of the woods and fields on the first two days, and in Chartres Cathedral on the third. Countless rosaries, meditations and hymns as we walked, not to mention marching songs and convivial Catholic conversation.
For any who have never experienced it, this is a wonderful source of penance and grace...
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