Thirtieth anniversary of the arrival of Saint John Paul II
SAINT LAURENT-SUR-SEVRE, France - The celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of Saint John Paul II's visit to the Basilica of Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort in Saint Laurent-sur-Sèvre and the blessing of the Montfort Family Museum by Bishop Renauld De DINECHIN of Luçon
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Diocese of Luçon, the Montfort Family and all the people of God in the Vendée celebrated in Saint Laurent-sur-Sèvre the thirtieth anniversary of the visit of Saint John Paul II to the tomb of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie-Louise de Jésus.
In the morning, the diocese made its pastoral visit to the College of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel. Around 2:00 p.m., a procession was organized with the relics and photographs of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, Blessed Marie Louise, and Saint John Paul II, starting from the Calvary at Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, passing by the Mother House of the Daughters of Wisdom, and arriving at the Basilica. At the beginning of the procession, Father Ronel Charelus, SMM, Rector of the Basilica, addressed the people of God with these words:
Welcome to our bishops present here: Bishop Renauld of the Diocese of Luçon, Archbishop Marek of Krakow, and Bishop Castet of the Diocese of Luçon. Welcome to our superiors general and provincial superiors of the three congregations. Welcome to the civil authorities present. Welcome to all.
In the days following the death of Father de Montfort, a Calvary was erected, not far from the current war memorial. This first Calvary, having suffered destruction by fire, following an accidental fire by children, was rebuilt on a much larger scale in 1843, on this site, where we are, by Father Jean Marie-Crosnier who was parish priest of Saint Laurent sur Sèvres from March 24, 1832, to January 1,1874.
Behind this Calvary, a hospice for the poor was later built, which has recently become a nursing home for vulnerable people. Through the cross, death was conquered, and the hope of a new world arose. After 310 years, we are gathered in this place to remember our missionary saints who bequeathed to us this legacy, this spiritual heritage, so that we may renew our commitment to the mission.
On September 19, 1996, Saint Pope John Paul II came to pray before the tombs of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, Marie Louise, and the Marquis de Magnanne, beside the remains of the ancient cross carved by the saint himself, in gratitude for the Treatise on True Devotion to Mary. He left us a famous phrase that marked his entire life:
“Thanks to Saint Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort, I understood that authentic devotion to the Mother of God is truly Christocentric, deeply rooted in the Trinitarian mystery… Whereas previously I held back for fear that Marian devotion would obscure Christ instead of giving way to Him, I understood… that it was in truth quite the opposite.”
Further on, on October 13, 2000, he said: “Saint Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort is for me a significant figure of reference who has enlightened me during important moments in my life.” Today, in embracing the new directions of our diocese, we wish to follow in the footsteps of our founding saints: Saint Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort, Blessed Marie Louise, and Saint John Paul II, on a journey that will lead us into the dynamic of the new evangelization.
We want to revitalize this missionary zeal by renewing our baptismal profession of faith in order to announce, with conviction and determination, our hope in the one who told us: "Put out into the deep, do not be afraid." May this journey rekindle in us the inner fire and enthusiasm of the first apostles, of Father de Montfort and of John Paul II.
During the procession, the people of God meditated on the rosary. Upon arriving at the balcony where Saint John Paul II had delivered his address to the young people of the Vendée on the day of his visit, everyone paused to listen to the same address read in its entirety by Father Ékenley Jean-Noël, SMM. Then, the procession continued towards the Basilica.
Upon arriving at the Basilica's forecourt, the Bishop of Luçon, Mgr. Renauld de Dinechin, after the blessing of the water, proceeded to bless the Montfort Family Museum. Then, all the people of God renewed their baptismal vows, and each made the sign of the cross with water upon entering the Basilica.
Upon entering the Basilica, after a time of reflection and veneration of the relics, the Archbishop Emeritus of Krakow, Archbishop Marek, gave a lecture on John Paul II. Meanwhile, the faith formation team, in collaboration with Esteban Berthome, presented a puppet show for the children about Saint Louis Marie, Blessed Marie Louise, and Saint John Paul II.
The day concluded with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Marek, Archbishop Emeritus of Krakow, with a homily by Bishop Renauld de Dinechin of Luçon. The celebration was graced by the presence of Bishop Alain Castet, Bishop Emeritus of Luçon, and Archbishop Hubert Barbier, Archbishop Emeritus of Bourges, as well as Father Paulin, Provincial of the Montfort Missionaries, and Montfort Father Michel Simonet, who welcomed Saint John Paul II to the Basilica on September 19, 1996. In the front row were the Superior General of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel and their Provincial in France, the Provincial of the Daughters of Wisdom, and several prominent figures from the Vendée department and the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre.
This ceremony marks the official launch of the pastoral project of the Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort Shrine, now recognized as the Shrine of Mission. May Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, Blessed Marie-Louise de Jésus, and Saint John Paul II accompany us with their missionary spirit in the dynamic of the new evangelization. All baptized; all missionary disciples. Together, following in the footsteps of Father de Montfort and the poor apostles.
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