2028 Pilgrimage

In honor of the blessings received from the St. Zelie Society, we are planning a pilgrimage to France from June 2, 2028 through June 9, 2028. The same pilgrimage will be offered every seven years to accommodate members who may have conflicts during a particular year.

We will start by spending two nights in Paris. We will see some of the major churches – Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame. We will also stop by the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal where St. Catherine Laboure’s incorrupt body is located. After Paris, we will take a two hour train ride to Lisieux where St. Therese grew up. We will see the Basilica of St. Therese and the Lisieux Cathedral. We will spend a night in Lisieux. From Lisieux, we will travel by train to Alençon where Zelie lived and visit various places connected with her life.

After spending two nights in Alençon, we will travel by train to Chartres to see the Chartres Cathedral which is a described as a masterpiece of French gothic art. Louis made a pilgrimage to this cathedral during his marriage to Zelie. After spending a night in Chartres, the pilgrims will travel by train from Chartres to the Paris airport and fly home.

Pilgrimage Details:

Time frame: Friday, June 2, 2028 to Saturday, June 9, 2028 – 8 days

Full days in France:  5

Number of cities visited:  4

Number of train trips:  4

Estimated cost:  $3,000 ($1000 for airfare, $1000 for hotels – double occupancy, $250 train travel, $250 for possible roundtrip shuttle bus fees from Madison to O’Hare and travel insurance, $500 for food and spending).

Itinerary:

  • Friday, June 2 – Travel overnight – Take a bus/drive to Chicago – fly from Chicago to Paris at night. 
  • Saturday, June 3 – Paris – Arrive in the afternoon in Paris. Check into the hotel. Explore Sacre Coeur in the evening. 
  • Sunday, June 4 – Paris – Explore Paris including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal. Welcome dinner in Paris.
  • Monday, June 5 – Lisieux – Explore Paris in the morning. In the late afternoon, take a two hour train ride to Liseaux.
  • Tuesday, June 6 – Alençon – Explore Lisieux in the morning and afternoon. In the early evening, take a 2 hour train to Alençon.
  • Wednesday, June 7 – Alençon – Explore Alençon all day including various places connected to St. Zelie. 
  • Thursday, June 8 – Chartres – In the afternoon, take a train to Chartres. Farewell pilgrim dinner at Chartres.
  • Friday, June 9 – Evening travel day – Spend the morning in Chartres. Take a three hour train ride from Chartres to the Paris Airport to fly back home.