Young adults from the Irish Province of Carmelites recently joined fellow pilgrims from across Northern Europe for a faith-filled pilgrimage to Paris and Lisieux, walking together in the footsteps of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and discovering anew the richness of the Carmelite tradition.
The pilgrimage began in Paris, where the group received a warm welcome at the Irish College. Their first day included the celebration of Mass in the college chapel before gathering for a group photograph at the historic Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, a place closely associated with the life of St Geneviève, patroness of Paris.
The following day, pilgrims celebrated Mass at the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris and visited the Church of Saint Francis Xavier, continuing their journey through prayer, fellowship and shared faith before travelling to Lisieux.
Upon arriving in Lisieux, the Irish group was warmly welcomed by young adults from across the North European Carmelite Region. United by a common desire to deepen their relationship with Christ through the spirituality of Carmel, the pilgrims spent several days praying, reflecting and building lasting friendships.
The programme offered many opportunities to encounter the life and spirituality of St Thérèse. Pilgrims celebrated Mass in the Carmel where the Little Flower lived her hidden life of holiness, visited St Peter’s Cathedral where the Martin family worshipped, and prayed in the magnificent Basilica dedicated to her memory.
Throughout the pilgrimage, moments of prayer were woven together with formation and community life. Participants took part in Lectio Divina, reflecting prayerfully on the Sunday Scriptures before gathering for Mass in the Basilica of Saint Thérèse. They joined the Corpus Christi Procession through the Basilica grounds, publicly witnessing their faith alongside pilgrims from around the world.
A highlight of the programme was a conference led by Fr Mícheál O’Neill, who explored key aspects of Carmelite spirituality and reflected on the enduring relevance of St Thérèse’s “Little Way”.
Pilgrims also participated in Eucharistic Adoration and celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, taking time to encounter God’s mercy and renew their commitment to following Christ.
Another memorable visit brought the group to Les Buissonnets, the beloved Martin family home where Thérèse spent some of the happiest years of her childhood. Walking through the family home offered a powerful reminder that holiness is first cultivated in the ordinary rhythms of daily life and within the love of family.
Alongside the formal programme, there was ample opportunity for conversation, friendship and cultural exchange, allowing young adults from different countries to share their experiences of faith and discover the universal richness of the Carmelite family.
The pilgrimage concluded with a beautiful Closing Mass, during which thanks were given for the many graces received throughout the week. Each pilgrim received a blessing and a souvenir medal of St Thérèse, a lasting reminder of the Little Flower’s invitation to trust God with the simplicity and confidence of a child.
As the pilgrims returned home, they carried with them not only treasured memories of Paris and Lisieux, but also a renewed appreciation of Carmelite spirituality and a deeper desire to live the Gospel in everyday life.
Inspired by the witness of St Thérèse, St Louis Martin and St Zélie Martin, the young adults leave Lisieux encouraged to continue their journey of faith, remembering that sanctity is found not in extraordinary achievements but in allowing ordinary moments to become extraordinary acts of love.
