The Diocese of Northampton is delighted to announce a special pilgrimage to France, led by Bishop David Oakley, taking place from Sunday 19th to Friday 24th October 2025. The pilgrimage marks the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial between 1673 and 1675.
Pilgrims will journey through several sacred sites in France, each rich in Catholic heritage and spirituality. Highlights include:
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Paray-le-Monial: The site of the Sacred Heart apparitions, including visits to the Chapelle des Apparitions and the relics of St Margaret Mary.
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Nevers: Home to the incorrupt body of St Bernadette Soubirous, visionary of Lourdes.
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Ars-sur-Formans: Visiting the shrine of St John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.
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Cluny: The heart of medieval monastic reform in the West.
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Taizé: The world-famous ecumenical community known for prayer, silence, and reconciliation.
Accommodation will be provided at Hotel Le Prieuré in Paray-le-Monial, with daily Mass and opportunities for prayer and reflection throughout the journey. Flights will depart from Luton to Lyon with EasyJet, and full pilgrimage details will be available through parishes and the diocesan website.
This is a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and community as we mark a profound moment in the life of the Church. Spaces are limited, and early booking is strongly encouraged.
Meet the Saints of the 2025 Diocesan Pilgrimage
St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690)
A Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial, St Margaret Mary received a series of extraordinary apparitions of Jesus between 1673 and 1675. In these visions, Christ revealed His Sacred Heart, aflame with love for humanity, and asked for a renewed devotion that included Holy Hours, First Fridays, and the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Her mission was not easily accepted at first, but with time and the support of her confessor, St Claude de la Colombière, her message spread across the Catholic world. She is now known as the Apostle of the Sacred Heart.
St John Vianney (1786–1859)
Known as the Curé of Ars, St John Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests. He served in the small French village of Ars-sur-Formans, where his humility, tireless dedication, and extraordinary gift for hearing confessions drew tens of thousands. He often spent up to 16 hours a day in the confessional, guiding souls with great wisdom and compassion. Despite initial challenges with studies and health, his holiness became widely recognised even during his lifetime.
St Bernadette Soubirous (1844–1879)
A humble peasant girl from Lourdes, St Bernadette experienced 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858. During one of these visions, Mary revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception and pointed Bernadette to a spring of water, now the source of countless reported healings. After years of scrutiny and hardship, Bernadette entered the convent in Nevers, where she died at age 35. Her body remains incorrupt, a sign of her sanctity that continues to inspire pilgrims from around the world.
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