Presles Chaplaincy – Young people meet the Martin family in Alençon

“On Saturday, February 12, at 7:30 a.m., the parents of the young people from the Presles chaplaincy got up early to entrust their children to the chaplaincy leaders in preparation for the pilgrimage, organized by them, to meet Saints Louis and Zelie Martin as well as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

After 3 hours of driving, the pilgrims reached their destination not without excitement. The welcome from the Carmelite sisters, messengers of the Holy Spirit, who are among those who take care of the sanctuary, was more than warm and allowed each young person and their companions to immediately immerse themselves in a bath of joy and prayer.

Saturday was busy with a visit to the Martin family house and museum, followed by everyone settling into the Louis and Zélie reception house, whose buildings are brand new! The volunteers helped the young people and their companions settle into the rooms, one floor for the girls and one for the boys.
After the meal taken in the dining room of the reception house, the pilgrims left for the rally in town, guided by a pastoral guide who knew how to make the discovery of all the places linked to Louis and Zélie exciting: the bridge where they met, the chapel where they were married, the basilica where they baptized little Thérèse, etc.
Return to the Martin house and prayers in the magnificent Sainte-Thérèse chapel before stocking up on rosaries and other souvenirs at the shop. Tired but transformed, the return to the reception house is joyful, with radiant smiles on their faces.
After dinner, the sisters offered the young people an extraordinary vigil (by all accounts), with guitar, singing and dancing for all. Lights extinguished around 23 p.m.

The next day, after a solid breakfast, teaching from Father Thierry Hénault-Morel on Léonie Martin, then, it was with joy and impatience that the small troop of Presles headed towards the Basilica to attend Sunday mass . The light which passed through the stained glass windows and seemed to ignite Christ hanging above the altar, the numerous parishioners, warm and collected, the songs carried by a majestic organ just renovated and the harmonious voice of the singing master, touched each young at the heart of his faith and faces were illuminated with the joy of Christ as the rosaries, purchased the day before, were blessed.

When it was time to take the return journey around 15 p.m., it was with hearts full of love and gratitude, but a little tight at the idea of ​​leaving this city and the sisters of Carmel, that the young pilgrims and their companions got in the car and hit the road.

We can only recommend to everyone to go and meet these sisters of Carmel and the Martin family who are an example of piety and holiness expressed in a “simple daily life” at the heart of which “God is served first.”

Corinne COQUELIN

“I accompanied a group of young people to Alençon where we stayed for a weekend.

I didn't know Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, but I loved entering their world, knowing a little more about what they experienced, and the way in which they dedicated themselves to God all their lives.

All the people who intervened during this weekend were perfect, and with a kindness that warms the heart... The Fathers and Sisters with whom we shared visits, prayers, testimonies, a vigil, been incredible...

I felt such great emotion during our vigil, the Sisters are truly superb, and manage to involve our young teenagers, which is not always easy...

Our young people were deeply touched by what they experienced: the vigil and the Sunday mass particularly marked them.

And all this surrounded by people who dedicate a lot of effort to making people feel good: organizing activities, meals, rooms: everything was perfect!

I really thank you for all these moments, I came back upset, it took me a long time to come down from all these emotions, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!

Claudia Soares