Hundreds of pilgrims, families and visitors attended the Ascension Festival on May 31, 2025 at the Notre-Dame de Montligeon sanctuary and Buguet workshops. Here’s a look back at a fun-filled day that appealed to young and old alike, and even animals.
Photo gallery of the Ascension Festival, held on Saturday January 31, 2025 at the Notre-Dame de Montligeon sanctuary and Buguet workshops.
Festival of
l’ascension 2026
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For pilgrims attending the four-day Ascension Festival at the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Montligeon, the day begins on May 29 with the Solemnity of the Ascension. This Christian feast is more than just a public holiday or an extended “bridge”. It celebrates the last visible encounter between the risen Jesus and his disciples, and his ascension to the Father. This departure is not an abandonment, but a sending on mission, a promise: that of the gift of the Holy Spirit. As Mgr Gérard Daucourt, Bishop Emeritus of Nanterre, underlined in his homily. “We cannot be witnesses to the Gospel of Christ without the strength and light of the Holy Spirit.
Festival of Hope
At this shrine dedicated to prayer for the dead, Bishop Daucourt recalled the depth of the bond that unites us to those who have left us, quoting Saint Augustine:
“We never lose those we love, for we can love them in Him in whom nothing is lost.”
He added: “This feast of the Ascension is the feast of hope. Between times of celebration, the pilgrims were able to enjoy silence and rest, in a setting conducive to prayer and recollection.
Welcome and friendship
Stéphane is one of the sanctuary’s regulars. Every year, he returns to the Ascension Festival to meet up with friends he’s made on pilgrimage. Among them is Michel, from Saint-Étienne, whom he met at Montligeon six years ago and with whom he has forged a true friendship. What does he like here? The warm welcome and freedom given to everyone. “Everything is done to make pilgrims feel welcome. Children are looked after during the day, so parents can experience their pilgrimage in their own way.”
Ascension Festival
During the festival, Saturday, a festive day open to all, was eagerly awaited. While their parents took part in a teaching on the Holy Spirit, eight-year-old Louis and Henry took advantage of the sanctuary’s gardens to play table soccer and run wild in impromptu hide-and-seek games. A little further on, on the former site of the Buguet workshops, Jacques, a dairy cow breeder from Igé, waited for the animals to be blessed as he paced the aisles. In this rural setting, animals and owners began to come together for a moment that was as unusual as it was fraternal.
The blessing of animals
During the blessing of the animals, Stéphane stood in silent meditation. He thought of Jackson, his beloved cat, who had “gone to Heaven” a few months ago.
“I was touched by the fervor of the masters who put their companions under divine protection.”
Around him, dozens of dogs waited with their masters. All were waiting their turn to receive the holy water and a word of peace. Among them, Tendre France, village dog and shrine faithful, lay down wisely at the foot of the priest he knew so well to receive his blessing.
Open house at Ateliers Buguet
During the afternoon, visitors were also able to discover the exhibitors in the Buguet workshops. Some thirty craftsmen were on hand to showcase their skills and local products. The only condition for exhibiting? Make your own products. The counter of Céline, producer of the tasty craft beer La Vertueuse, was never empty. Odile fromAtelier B’O CUIR and Magali from Chemins de Traverse are also exhibiting their creations. Sculptors, ceramists, a heliciculturist, a honey producer, a nursery gardener(Le Garde Manger Fleuri de Millie), as well as jewelry designers, including Atelier Saint-Cire, were also on hand for the artisans’ market.
A festive evening for all
After a warm and sunny day, it was time for a meal: planchas and homemade burgers shared to the sound of Anthony Lorcy’s guitar and voice. Then The Charmrocks, an Irish folk group, brought young and old together on the dance floor, transforming the evening into a joyous popular round. The children danced merrily, asking for more at the end of each song. At the same time, the adults tried out the traditional steps with gusto. Clapping hands, laughing and singing along to the chorus set the rhythm for the end of an already busy day. A simple, spontaneous evening, just the way we like it at Montligeon.
Would you like to attend next year’s Ascension Festival? Would you like to join in the joy and prayer of this simple, friendly event? Discover our Ascension Festival page and plan your stay!
