Sister Lan with adults during a pilgrimage of hope: “From Thursday, April 24 to Monday, April 28, 2025, we were 220 pilgrims, divided into two groups of young people (120, including those accompanying them), who left by bus, and two groups of adults (100 people) who left by plane.
I had the joy of participating in this pilgrimage as a delegate of consecrated life with the two groups of adults accompanied by our bishop Philippe MOUSSET and six priests.
The groups were divided according to their activities, but we came together for the highlights. The opening Mass took place at 5:00 p.m. and was presided over by Monsignor Philippe Mousset, surrounded by numerous priests and all the groups of adults and young people. It was the first important moment of this pilgrimage. This moving and fraternal celebration took place in the church of Saint Louis-des-Français. I was deeply impressed by the beauty of the celebration, which expressed the unity and fraternity at the heart of the life of the Church.
The program had been known for some time, of course, but the sudden death of our Pope shook both our organization and, above all, our emotions. However, this event allowed us to experience another dimension of our faith: that of trust and hope in God. During our stay, we visited and passed through the holy doors: in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in the Basilica of St. Peter, and in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Before each visit, we all began with a prayer led by our bishop. These moments left a deep impression on me because they allowed me to intensely experience these words of Jesus: I am the gate for the sheep. Yes, Jesus is the gate, and he invites us to pass through it together.
The funeral of Pope Francis was a very intense moment. Pilgrims from Périgord were present in St. Peter’s Square from 6 a.m. to find a place. There were people from all countries, of all ages…. People who had come from all over the world were both enthusiastic and solemn, despite the fatigue of waiting for more than 6, 5 or 4 hours, depending on their location, before the ceremony, to pay tribute to our Pope Francis. We also had the joy of celebrating Mass at St. Mary Major Basilica for the repose of his soul. The joy of being near his tomb was mixed with tears and deep emotion.
On the last day, we gathered in a chapel of the Basilica of St. John Lateran for a particularly moving Mass of sending forth.
After Communion, the delegates from the parishes, catechists, and religious received a candle from the bishop as a sign of their sending forth on mission: to carry and light the fire of hope in parishes, communities, and youth movements… Yes, now it is our turn to share the light we have received from Christ.
This pilgrimage has deeply marked me. First of all, it allowed me to take the time to walk fully with God and with the faithful of our diocese. It also taught me to be more attentive to others. One cannot be a Christian alone: I am called to live my faith with my brothers and sisters in Christ. The Church is always on a journey and invites us to go out of ourselves to proclaim the Good News and bear witness to what we have experienced and received. I give thanks to God for this beautiful pilgrimage lived with all the faithful who came from all over the world, and in particular those from the dioceses of Périgueux and Sarlat.
Sister Lan Nguyen, SdC
Community of Trélissac
