Pilgrimage with Mary in the Spirit of Saint Montfort
[FR]
SCHIMMERT, the Nertherlands - On Saturday May 16, 2026, we organised a Marian walk to the Lourdes Cave in Valkenburg a/d Geul. We set off from Schimmert at 9.45 am with 33 participants. This figure excludes those who went directly to the cave and those who walked less than half the route. A total of 52 people took part in this activity. The participants came from various parishes.
The event began with an introduction to the Marian pilgrimage in the light of the spirituality of Saint Montfort, given by Father Charles Leta SMM at the statue of Mary in the garden of the monastery in Schimmert. During the walk, he posed a few questions for reflection on three topics: ‘being a Christian’, ‘Mary’ and ‘renewing one’s baptismal vows’, which would later be shared with one another. There were two stops where participants were invited to share their reflections and pray together. The first stop was at the Marian chapel in Arensgenhout and the second at the Marian chapel near the former Jesuit monastery in Valkenburg a/d Geul.
The participants were very keen to share their reflections, and some were visibly moved as they gave their testimonies. At around 11.40 am, we arrived at the Lourdes Cave, still full of enthusiasm. There we were welcomed by the retired parish priest of Valkenburg and his chaplain, the retired parish priest of Schimmert, the parish priest of Schimmert, and the participants who had not walked with us. At the Lourdes Cave, the participants were given the opportunity to renew their baptismal vows with Montfort’s Prayer of Consecration, whilst holding lit candles in their hands. Whilst singing a Marian hymn, they placed their candles as a symbol of consecration. Afterwards, we had lunch together and chatted in a convivial atmosphere. At around 1.10 pm, we set off from the Lourdes Cave with more than twenty participants, heading back to Schimmert.
The event went well and was a success. Everyone was very grateful for this blessed opportunity.
Sintus DEPA SMM
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