From May 24 to June 4, 14 discerners, four seminarians, three priests and one auxiliary bishop will be traveling across France on a discernment pilgrimage called, “In the Footsteps of the Saints.”

All throughout France, there are numerous basilicas, shrines, and chapels that house the earthly remains or commemorate the lives of several men and women we number among the saints: St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Joan of Arc, St. John Vianney, St. Denis, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Louise de Marillac and St. Vincent de Paul, just to name a few.

Through the inspiration these saints can provide, and with a prayer-filled, two-day visit to the holy site of the Blessed Mother’s appearance at Lourdes, our discernment pilgrimage will be in holy hands.

This pilgrimage is not just an excursion to a foreign country, but rather, a discernment retreat led by the Office of Priestly Vocations of the Archdiocese of Detroit. It is an opportunity for these men to grow in relationship with Christ and better discern where the Lord is calling each of them to serve Him and His Church.

Please pray for these men as they embark upon this spiritual path. You can follow our pilgrimage and send petitions for prayer through our blog: https://francepilgrimage.wordpress.com, or through our website at www.detroitpriest.com.

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Fr. Timothy Birney is director of the Office of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit.