BRISBANE archdiocese’s 45 pilgrims landed in Paris full of excitement for the beginning of their pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2023.
“We are so excited to start the first leg of our World Youth Day pilgrimage,” pilgrimage leader Steph Rogers said.
“The flights were long, but we are filled with so much excitement and energy.”
On their first full day in Paris, the pilgrims visited Sacre Coeur (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre) and celebrated Mass there.
Afterwards, they went to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame before going to meet the Daughters of Charity in the Rue du Bac.
This is the site where Our Lady appeared to Catherine Laboure in 1830, with the first Miraculous Medal being struck in 1832.
Her incorrupt body lies under the altar of Our Lady in the chapel and adjacent to the altar of St Vincent de Paul displaying his incorrupt
heart.
The pilgrims also strolled to the nearby Vincentian Fathers to pray in the chapel housing the bones of St Vincent de Paul.
The night scheduled included a visit to the Eiffel Tower, viewing the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees.
The pilgrims are set to wake up today and visit Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
