June 17th, 10:40 AM

Day 6 – Walking with the Saints in Paris

Today marked the sixth day of our Saint David Parish Pilgrimage, and it was a day filled with grace, history, and profound encounters with some of the great saints of France.

Our morning began with Holy Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity in Paris. In this simple and unassuming chapel, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830 and entrusted to her the design of the Miraculous Medal, promising abundant graces to those who wear it with faith and devotion.

It is difficult to describe the peace that fills this sacred place. We prayed at the very spot of the apparitions and venerated the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Labouré, as well as the remains of St. Louise de Marillac, co-foundress of the Daughters of Charity. Countless miracles, healings, and conversions have been attributed to Our Lady’s intercession through the Miraculous Medal, reminding us that Mary continually leads us to her Son.

From there, we visited the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, patron of priests and the poor. Above the main altar rests his body, preserved within a wax effigy and silver reliquary. Nearby, within the Chapel of the Daughters of Charity, his heart is preserved—a fitting symbol for a saint whose heart burned with love for Christ and compassion for those most in need.

The afternoon brought us to one of the world’s most treasured churches: the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral. After years of restoration following the devastating fire of 2019, it was inspiring to see this masterpiece of faith and architecture once again welcoming pilgrims from around the world. As an unexpected blessing, we had the opportunity to reconnect with a friend of the Archdiocese of Miami, Thibault Fajoles, assistant organist of Notre-Dame.

Our final stop was the incomparable Sainte-Chapelle. Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX—St. Louis—to house the Crown of Thorns and other relics of Christ’s Passion, this royal chapel remains one of the most breathtaking churches in the world. Surrounded by soaring stained-glass windows depicting more than 1,100 biblical scenes, we were immersed in salvation history from Genesis to the Resurrection. The beauty of the chapel lifts the heart heavenward and reminds us that art, architecture, and faith can work together to proclaim the Gospel.

As we continue this pilgrimage, we are reminded that the Church is built not only of stone and glass, but of saints—men and women who responded generously to God’s grace and whose witness continues to inspire us today.

Please continue to keep our pilgrims in your prayers as tomorrow we journey to Lourdes, where we will place the intentions of our parish family at the feet of Our Lady.