Marie coordinates the development of prayer groups for the Fraternity of Notre-Dame de Montligeon from the shrine. She supports individuals—both priests and laypeople—who wish to get involved.
Meeting Marie, for the magazine Chemin d’éternité n°326 – Jan.Feb.March 2026 interviewed by Amélie Le Bars.
What is a Montligeon prayer group?
“I receive requests, respond to them, and help organize the groups,” she explains. The goal is simple: to pray for the deceased and also to support the living. These fraternities bring together people of different ages and backgrounds. They meet on a regular basis, most often at the parish church. They bear the names of the deceased, support those who are grieving, and open a path of hope. The prayer groups are an integral part of the larger Montligeon family, which they embody within their parish. The Montligeon Fraternity is founded on the perpetual Mass and the prayers of its members. In this way, everyone finds their place and makes a tangible contribution.
“The shrine is the beating heart of the Fraternity, but the Fraternity is alive throughout the world through its praying members.”
How do you also start a Montligeon prayer group?
Quite often, it all starts with a desire from an individual. Someone speaks to the parish priest. They check to see if a venue is available. They agree on a schedule. “Without the parish priest’s approval, it’s not possible to start a prayer group because, above all, the Fraternity is a work within the Church,” Marie points out. Her role is to guide the new group–structuring the meetings, preparing prayer intentions or prayers for the deceased, and finding ways to advertise the group. Which means that the launch remains simple. The names of the parish’s deceased, the souls in Purgatory—especially the most neglected ones— are entrusted to prayer, and assigned to the members of the Fraternity. The rosary is prayed. A time of fellowship closes the gathering. However, each parish adapts the format to its specific circumstances. What matters most is fidelity to the three pillars of the Fraternity: prayer, formation, and charity.
The Promise: Joining the Montligeon Fraternity for those who live far away from the shrine
The shrine is the beating heart of the Fraternity, but the Fraternity is alive throughout the world through its praying members. Even those who cannot visit the shrine can go ever further by committing themselves to the Fraternity. This can involve participating in or founding a prayer group, but also through a personal commitment: the Promise. It is a solemn vow to offer one’s prayers, actions, joys, and trials for the salvation of the souls in Purgatory—especially the most neglected ones—in union with the entire Montligeon Fraternity. Catholics all over the world are drawn to this cause. “We went on a mission to the United States, where we met with parishioners in cities like St. Louis and Baton Rouge,” says Marie. Everywhere, the same desire is expressed: to entrust the deceased to God, to support families, and to rekindle Christian hope.
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Specifically, who can participate, and how do you get started?
Anyone who wishes to do so is welcome to come and pray. Some are mourning. Others simply want to pray. You can join an existing group. You can also start one, with the parish priest’s approval. You can get support from the shrine for every step of the process –making initial contact, training, resources, and ongoing support. In addition, Montligeon brings the groups together during gatherings at the shrine, as well as during retreats led by the shrine’s chaplains, which include Mass, teachings, and time for fellowship. “People leave spiritually nourished and encouraged,” Marie sums up.
Would you like to join a prayer group of the Montligeon Fraternity, or start one in your parish? Contact the shrine: we will guide you, step by step, so that together we can bear your deceased loved ones and your family members in prayer.
