Don Andreas

The Martin family has its own grace. Twenty boarders from the Saint-Joseph boarding school in Mortagne were able to discover this family marked by life, by work, by illness – an ordinary life and at the same time a life marked by God. In short, a life of holiness at the
amidst the challenges of a normal life. Grace precedes us: an intern who suddenly becomes completely calm and begins to take an interest in the lives of these saints – surely God is seeking him through these examples of faith. This is what struck us, the companions, the most!

The film and the museum have raised a number of questions about child mortality at the time and about Ms. Martin's fine work.

The most powerful moment was in the chapel, where everyone was able to receive a word from Saint Therese. Words often directly related to the person who received them. God knows what we need.

A memorable outing!”

Don Andreas, deacon at the parish of Sainte Céronne and Sainte Anne du Perche and chaplain of the Bignon school complex in Mortagne-au-Perche

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All Testimonials

Alix

With our group of teenagers, we were welcomed with great kindness at the Alençon sanctuary, in very pleasant premises. Visiting the house of the Martin family and then the treasure hunt in the city were very interesting and suitable for young people. We were also lucky enough to be able to celebrate mass in the beautiful chapel of the Pilgrims' Lodge of the Sanctuary, with the relics of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin! Thank you for your welcome.

Severin and Martine

On July 12, 2014, we were blessed by the relics of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin at the sanctuary of Alençon, on the occasion of our 30th years of marriage, then for 7 years. On July 12, 2024, for our 40th wedding anniversary, we once again shared this great moment of blessing, which allowed us to deepen holiness as a couple, continuing to take them as a model, "God first served." Following this event, we made the decision to accompany the engaged couples of our diocese as sponsors, which we did on March 22, 2025. Marriage is a gift from God, a path of holiness, a vocation shared by two to become saints with each other and for each other. Life together is a path filled with emotion, astonishment, agreement, disagreement, joy, love, sadness but also grace. Saints Louis and Zélie experienced them in different ways and with faith: their meeting, their family and professional life, the births and also the bereavements of their children, and always with great trust in the Lord. Faith is the instrument that leads us to the spirit of trust, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We give thanks to the Lord God for all the torrents of grace that he gives us every day. Through the intercession of Saints Louis and Zélie and the Blessed Virgin Mary, we entrust our prayers to you.

International student group

We, a group of international students, had a wonderful stay at the Alençon sanctuary. After a friendly welcome at the Pilgrims' Lodge, we had the English-language guided tour of the sanctuary by the Carmelite nuns. Our guide even escorted us through the streets of Alençon to our next appointment. The welcome and care provided allowed us to experience a wonderful pilgrimage and leave closer to the Martin family than we had arrived.

Daniel, Stephanie and Thérèse

We came to Alençon, my husband, our daughter Thérèse (8 years old) and I; we had just spent a day in Lisieux, so that and I; we had just spent a day in Lisieux, so that our daughter could visit the places where her patron saint lived. We were very happy to see Thérèse's birthplace again (we had already been there 13.0 years ago with our other children), guided by a Carmelite messenger of the Holy Spirit, who took the time to show us around the house, to pray with us, and even allowed us to enter the Martin couple's room and touch little Thérèse's cradle! We were also touched to be able to attend the evening mass in the basilica where Louis and Zélie were married, on the advice of the person who was at the reception. A chance for us who are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary this year, and who were placed under their protection during our engagement! We really enjoyed the Pilgrims' Hostel, and we took advantage of the beautiful chapel for our moments of family prayer. We have very fond memories of our time in Alençon and we thank God for it.

Laura & Serge

My husband and I received a very warm welcome from the hosts of the hotel during our participation in a weekend dedicated to the END. The sanctuary team took great care of us to offer us a weekend of respite and spiritual renewal, allowing us to discover the lives of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, to exchange with other Notre Dame team members, and to get closer to God as a couple. We appreciated not having to worry about anything, and to take time for ourselves, for our couple, during a long weekend. Father Thierry's teaching times were very rich and exciting. A spiritual END retreat without children allowed us to live the weekend fully and serenely. The retreat ended with a guided tour of the Martin family home which allowed us to connect with the teachings. I highly recommend this retreat to everyone without hesitation, for a little break from our hectic lives! Thank you again to the entire community for welcoming us, for the great organization, and thank you to Father Thierry for all this time given and his kindness.

Don Andreas

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Alix

Severin and Martine

International student group

Daniel, Stephanie and Thérèse

Laura & Serge

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