Our Oblate communities rallied for the Pope’s visit to France. While all prayed for the trip to go smoothly, several had the opportunity to participate in one event or another. In this article, a few Sisters share their experiences.
The Pope’s Visit… Impressions from Paris…
“It was almost a ‘surprise’ visit! There was little news about it over the summer. Then, starting in mid-August, things picked up pace: the schedules became clearer, and registration details for the major gatherings— Notre-Dame, the Youth Vigil, and the Mass on the Champs-Élysées appeared online, along with—in the final week—lists of Metro station closures, pedestrian-only zones, and traffic detours. There wasn’t really much media coverage… nor any particular resentment regarding the restrictions imposed for the Pope’s route.
On Friday morning, the bells throughout Paris began to ring—the Pope had arrived… A magnificent blue sky, clear streets, and a smooth journey to the Elysée. Live coverage by various television channels, including KTO, allowed viewers to follow the Pope’s first steps through the streets of Paris.
In the early afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m., consecrated persons, priests, seminarians, deacons, and their wives gather at Notre-Dame. Everything is beautifully organized. The 8,000 participants file in smoothly. One can sense all the quiet yet efficient work that went into the preparations. Everyone finds their seat, facing beautiful giant screens, and at each seat lies the “Prions en Eglise” booklet for the various ceremonies—and, as a surprise, the Pope Leo XIV commemorative medal, dated September 25, 2026, from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. A few joyful and relaxed exchanges among seat “neighbors,” then silence for a prayerful wait that began with the Office of Nones and the Rosary. Time passed quickly…
Suddenly, around 4:30 p.m., the sound of a helicopter is heard in the sky; a murmur runs through the assembly as they rise and intone “Tu es Petrus.” The popemobile advances along the forecourt; flags and hands wave, and voices acclaim the Holy Father: “He is near us; he is with us through his gaze that meets every gaze”—the bells of Notre-Dame resonate. A serene joy spreads, preparing everyone’s heart to spiritually accompany the Pope as he discovers the interior of Notre-Dame and sings Vespers.
As he exits the nave, on both sides of the aisle, hands reach out eagerly to grasp his… He reappears on the forecourt to turn toward Mary and sing the Salve Regina with everyone… and then takes his leave. The atmosphere of serenity, peace, and gentleness continues to envelop everyone. And upon returning to Boulevard Saint-Germain and the adjacent streets—bustling with shoppers and passersby—the participants, still deeply moved, were surprised to encounter almost knowing glances and cordial remarks. The grand avenue exudes a spring-like atmosphere.
This initial feeling would be renewed and accentuated for the participants of the vigil attended by 80,000 young people, who noted the fervor that permeated this gathering, and then intensified the next day on the Champs-Élysées, where the 900,000 participants, arriving in a calm and family-like atmosphere, experienced this Eucharist in deep communion, with a renewed sense of hope for the future—something unimaginable just a few weeks ago. On the way home, it was a touching surprise to see the kind glances of ordinary people—such as the doormen of the grand hotels lining the Champs-Élysées—and even those of people accustomed to a very different environment in these neighborhoods steeped in luxury. An unfamiliar, almost peaceful Paris. A breath of grace, spread over our capital for a few hours, at the center of so many heated and sometimes troubling debates.” Sr. Brigitte-Marie (Paris Community)
Vespers at Notre Dame
“We arrived Friday at noon near Notre Dame de Paris and joined the consecrated persons and priests who were already waiting! What a great joy it was to be able to share a fraternal exchange with all these religious as we awaited the Holy Father. We truly feel that we are ‘the Church’ beyond personal sensibilities! We were in the second row on the Parvis—in other words, a prime spot. After periods of lively prayer that marked our wait, the helicopter announced the Pope’s arrival, and joy was evident on everyone’s faces. Finally, there he was, right in front of us! He took the time to greet everyone he could. What I took away from Vespers was his call to live the Liturgy as a witness and this appeal to the consecrated:
“You who have been called to follow Christ, I thank you for your response and your fidelity to the Lord. Never neglect this friendship—willed by Jesus—which must be nurtured through personal prayer, the essential foundation of every vocation.” Pope Leo
We were encouraged and feel renewed in our commitment to live our lives as Oblates faithfully through prayer. After the Salve Regina, we were able to venerate the Crown of Thorns for a few moments. It was an intense moment for me.” Sr. Anne-Laetitia (Motherhouse Community)
The Vigil at the Stade de France
When asked to describe her experience, Sr. Rachel-Thérèse said she was moved by the other young people! She recounts: “I think it was perhaps the person sitting next to me on the bus to and from the vigil—who was from Romilly-sur-Seine (and before that, from India)—who put it best: ‘I’m even more beautiful now.’
The moment during the youth vigil—held during Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit to France—that moved him the most was when everyone received the Pope’s blessing. Everyone present at the vigil—the participants, the performers, all the staff, and the volunteers—spent the night putting their energy and talent to work for something beautiful, to express their joyful enthusiasm for their faith as well as their gratitude and trust in the successor of Saint Peter, the rock upon which our Church was built. And it wasn’t limited to that night: in the afternoon, nearly the entire bus ride was spent singing hymns of praise, and in the early hours of the morning, on the way home, we shared testimonies and videos, eager to preserve a precious memory, all while practicing charity by carefully ensuring that everyone returned home safely. May this night allow Catholic youth—’the springtime of the Church,’ as one of the speakers said—to flourish to the fullest.” Sr. Rachel-Thérèse (Novitiate)
“You are the saints of France!” Pope Leo
“Why this joy at meeting our Pope?
Why this eagerness to hear his words?
Why this enthusiasm when the man in white and red arrives?
The young people know exactly what’s going on… And so we set off—Sr. Odile-Bernard and I, along with six young people, one former student, and her mother. We joined Brother Cyprien and students from other high schools, heading for the Stade de France and the Place de la Concorde!
80,000 young people at the Stade de France, singing out their joy at being there, welcoming the witnesses, singers and non-singers alike, who lead them in prayer for the Pope and for peace! 80,000 young people, too, listening attentively as their pastor invites them to the Truth that sets them free and to become the saints of France. To welcome this call to holiness with fervor and applause—that is extraordinary!
All this joy—this true joy, which is at once attentiveness to others, smiles, and kindness—bursts forth from this jubilant crowd because a shared joy in faith and hope unites and sends them forth—it is magnificent! Everyone felt called to be a true Friend of Christ, capable of translating the demands of Love into concrete actions in their daily lives! So many unforgettable moments that, engraved in our hearts, become a part of us and call us to become better people!” Sr. Joseph-Elisabeth (Cité Aviat Community)
Mass at Place de la Concorde
“Along with three other Sisters from my community, we were able to board one of the five buses provided by the Diocese of Troyes to attend Mass in Paris. Parking spaces had been reserved for our buses, all very close to Place de la Concorde, where we were fortunate enough to be placed. Everything was very well organized! While waiting to go through security, I had the joy of unexpectedly running into a former student from the Cours.
I was particularly struck by the silence during Mass. Before, the crowd had been shouting and milling about. After Communion, even though I had to make room so that others could receive Communion, I was able to experience a beautiful moment of recollection. So many people had come to attend this Mass, some from far away. I am left with the memory of a beautiful, joyful Catholic France, united around its Shepherd. And I hope—and I pray—that this testimony may touch the hearts of those who do not yet know Christ.” Sr. Jeanne-Delphine (Community of Cours Saint-François de Sales)
“As baptized Christians, we have received the living water spoken of in the Gospel, but have we truly encountered Christ personally? Human beings are fundamentally beings of desire, and only God can fill that inner void.” Pope Leo
“The Mass on the Champs-Élysées was a moment of communion for me, not only because seeing Christians everywhere—happy and proud to be so—felt incredibly good, but also because of the depth of the conversations we had with those around us, both children and adults. Standing near the Arc de Triomphe, it was deeply moving to see those kilometers filled with ‘an immense crowd that no one could count,’ all experiencing this moment in communion, as brothers and sisters.
A personal joy: an unlikely reunion with my parents, who had come from Normandy, and the joy of sharing this unique moment together! Sr. Anne-Laetitia (Motherhouse Community)
“In early September, the Champagne Hospitality Group offered a spot to participate in Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes. I had the great joy and grace of being able to join this pilgrimage, having never been to Lourdes before. It was an unforgettable experience! Our group of 40 pilgrims attended all four meetings with Pope Leo, always well-positioned in the sections reserved for people with disabilities, thanks to our members with disabilities. The media reported on the major themes addressed by Pope Leo.
I would just like to highlight the joy and enthusiasm of the crowd upon the Pope’s arrival, followed by a moment of deep reflection as we listened to his words of encouragement for each of us.
At the Notre Dame reception, the deeply moved testimony of the doctor and the prayer sung by Bernadette perfectly framed the Pope’s speech in favor of respect for life—a speech delivered as a cry from the heart that resonated with the convictions of so many Christians and non-Christians alike.
And another moment that went somewhat unnoticed: Pope Leo’s encouragement to pray the Angelus :
“…this simple and wonderful prayer that helps us live each day in accordance with God’s will, following the example of the Virgin Mary.” Pope Leo
At the end of this journey, I can only say a heartfelt THANK YOU for these moments of grace that I was able to experience with the Hospitality of Champagne, listening to the Church, in friendship and joy as we serve our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.” Sr. Thérèse-Béatrice (Motherhouse Community)