Feast of Saints Louis and Zélie
Marriage, a sacrament to be renewed
Join us in Alençon on July 11 and 12, 2026 to celebrate Saints Louis and Zélie Martin on the occasion of their wedding anniversary.
With Bishop Olivier de Cagny, Bishop of Evreux (diocese where St Louis Martin died)
The Louis and Zélie Martin Sanctuary invites you to experience a powerful spiritual event on the occasion of its patronal feast, the 11 and 12 2026 July, in Alençon. Two days to celebrate the first couple canonized together in the history of the Church, in places deeply marked by their life and their love.
Several options are available to you:
- For couples
- You inscribe for the full weekend (including meals, with or without hotel accommodation).
- Simply renew your wedding vows during the Sunday morning celebration at the basilica. It is advisable to give your name on the form belowFor more complete preparation, join Bishop de Cagny's teaching at 9:30 am.
- For everyone :
- Participate on Saturday evening in the torchlight procession from Maison Martin (20:45 pm) and experience the vigil (21:30 pm) at the basilica.
- Attend Bishop Cagny's conference on Sunday morning at 9:30 am (pilgrims' hostel). Childcare may be available if you bring young children (please let us know in advance). evenements@louisetzelie.com).
Come in large numbers to celebrate love and holiness in everyday life, and discover the richness of married life in the light of the testimony of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin.
Program of festivities
Saturday July 11, 2026
- From 9am: Welcome at the basilica
- 10:00 AM: Closing Prayer
- 10:45 am – 18 pm: Couples' Walk (men and women separated)
- 18 p.m.: Meeting of the couple on the Sarthe bridge, where the holy couple Martin met
- 19:15 p.m.: Dinner
- 20 p.m.: Possibility of visiting the Martin House
- 21 p.m.: Departure of the procession from Maison Martin to the basilica
- 21:30 p.m.: Prayer vigil
Sunday, July 12 2026
- 9 a.m.: Lauds
- 9:30 am: Teaching
- 10:30 a.m.: Parish Mass and renewal of marriage vows for couples present
- 12pm: A friendly drink
- 12:45 PM: Buffet lunch
- Afternoon: Free time to explore Alençon and the various sites of the Sanctuary (Martin House, Louis Martin Pavilion, Montsort Church…)
