We began with a Moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos, asking for her protection and God’s guidance. In the silence of the church, united in prayer, we felt the deep presence of God’s grace.
This pilgrimage was more than a journey — it was a path to deeper understanding of divine mercy, a strengthening of faith, and a living encounter with Christ: through prayer, holy places, and community.
In Paris, we climbed to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre — a place of penance and hope, where perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has continued since 1885. From this height, the panorama of Paris — a city steeped in history — opened before us. We also visited Notre-Dame de Paris — a centuries-old symbol of French Christianity and home to sacred relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
At the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, where the Mother of God appeared to St. Catherine Labouré, we offered prayers for our loved ones and all those in need.
A highlight of our time in Paris was the Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of St. Séverin — a place with deep spiritual roots, where we sang and prayed together in unity.
We then continued on to Nevers, the resting place of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. In the silence of the crypt, where her incorrupt body lies, we experienced a special sense of unity and entrusted our intentions to her holy intercession.
From Nevers, we traveled to Lourdes, a true spiritual summit of our pilgrimage. At the Dormition of the Mother of God Church — the Greek-Catholic church serving Ukrainian pilgrims — we celebrated the Divine Liturgy, praying for all our intentions.
Our prayers continued throughout the grounds of the Lourdes Sanctuary: the Grotto of the Apparition, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Rosary Basilica, the spring, and the baths — each place speaking directly to the heart.
The Way of the Cross on the hill of Espellette was a deeply moving moment of silent communion with Christ’s suffering.
That evening, we joined the Eucharistic procession, followed by the candlelight procession — an unforgettable experience of global unity in faith, as thousands of candles flickered in prayer.
Next, we traveled to La Salette, nestled in the heart of the French Alps. It was here, on September 19, 1846, that the Blessed Virgin appeared to two children, Maximin and Mélanie, calling the world to prayer, penance, and fidelity to God’s commandments.
That evening’s candlelight procession deeply touched our hearts and strengthened our faith. In the quiet of the mountains, we felt a special grace — a glimpse of heaven.
The next morning, we prayed at the site of the apparition, allowing our hearts to speak in silence.
We then journeyed on to Turin, the city of the Holy Shroud. After time for spiritual reflection, we continued to Rome — the heart of the Catholic Church — where new blessings awaited.
In Rome, our two days were filled with profound prayer, spiritual unity, and unexpected grace. Each day began with the Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Church, the spiritual center for Ukrainians in the diaspora.
One of the most meaningful moments was our procession to the Holy Doors of the Jubilee of Mercy. With the cross before us and prayer in our hearts, we stepped through the threshold of grace, opening our souls to God's love.
We visited the tombs of St. Peter the Apostle, St. Josaphat, and other sacred places. We also prayed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we again passed through the Doors of Mercy.
A joyful moment came in our meeting with Bishop Mykola Bychok, CSsR, Eparch of Melbourne. During our conversation, he gave us his episcopal blessing and offered words of encouragement.
We returned home physically tired but spiritually renewed — filled with hope, inner peace, and deep gratitude.
We thank God for this blessed journey, and for all who walked this path with us. May the fruits of this pilgrimage remain in our hearts and inspire our daily lives!
Rev Volodymyr Kostyuk
