Every year, the Notre-Dame de Montligeon shrine is host to thousands of pilgrims for the Pilgrimages of Heaven. For Alix and Frédéric, who are locals, this highlight was not only an opportunity to pray, but also to give some of their time to help make the days run smoothly. Their testimony shows to what extent the Shrine, dedicated to prayer for the departed, has also some impact for those who live nearby.
Behind the scenes
On the occasion of All Saints’ Day, the Shrine of Prayer for the Dead welcomed volunteers from the neighboring village of Saint-Mard-de-Réno. Among them, Alix and Frédéric chose to spend a few hours helping out on site. “Rather than just attending All Saints’ Mass, we wanted to spend time meeting pilgrims and discovering the life of the shrine,” they explain.
Helping out at the shrine isn’t just about performing practical tasks. It is also an opportunity to discover what goes on behind the scenes, and to appreciate the scale of the pilgrimage. “When you live next door, you don’t realize just how important and renown the chapel is. It’s impressive to be able to put your finger on the mechanism,” says Frédéric.
The deceased at the heart of prayer
“Indeed, coming there to lend a hand gives us the opportunity to observe this reality at first hand”. Alix adds: “It’s always impressive to see the people who come from far and wide to attend Mass here.” The look on their faces reflects their surprise that Montligeon, lost in the heart of the Perche countryside, may attract foreign pilgrims from far away.
For both Alix and Frédéric, taking part in the pilgrimages on All Saints’ Day has a special meaning. They feel that an essential question is addressed by the Shrine: how can we pray for our deceased?
“A place for the dead is really important. Today, death is often hidden, or disguised by Halloween. Here, the subject of our deceased regains a central place in prayer,” asserts Frédéric. These words express a sentiment shared by many: in a society that shies away from talking about death, Montligeon offers a place where the memory of the departed regains its place.
Refusing to forget
Alix and Frédéric’s experience as volunteers with the Pilgrimages was a defining one. They discovered the vitality of the shrine, the fervor of the pilgrims and the unique mission of Montligeon. Their testimony encourages everyone not to remain spectators, but to get involved.
It stresses the reality that supporting the shrine not only helps to sustain its operations, but also to rediscover a spiritual dimension that is sometimes overlooked. Putting the deceased back at the heart of our prayers means refusing to forget them and asserting a faithfulness which connects generations.
The Notre-Dame de Montligeon shrine offers everyone, near and far, a place to pray, collect themselves and rediscover hope.
You too can come and pray for your deceased during the Pilgrimages of Heaven 2025.
