COMMENCES TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 • 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
Rome (3 nights) • Lyon (2 nights) • The Hermitage (3 nights) • Lyon (1 night)
This special tour has been developed by the Marist Association, in conjunction with Harvest Journeys. All Association Members and other Marist friends are welcome to join this tour, to visit and experience key sites that are so formative to the Marist story, since the Fourvière Pledge in 1816.
The journey begins in Rome, where pilgrims gather in the heart of the Catholic world. Over several days they experience the spiritual and historical richness of the Eternal City: joining the General Audience in St Peter’s Square, praying in the Basilica at the tombs of Popes and Saints, and exploring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The visit to the Marist General Houses deepens the group’s understanding of Marist leadership, mission, and spirituality before the journey shifts to France.
In Lyon, the group ascends Fourvière Hill, the birthplace of the Marist promise, and travels to nearby Cerdon, where the early Marist Sisters discerned their mission. Following a visit to, and Mass at, La Neyliere, spiritual home of the Marist Fathers and resting place of Fr Jean-Claude Colin SM, the pilgrimage then settles at The Hermitage, the spiritual home of St Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist Brothers. From this base, pilgrims explore foundational Marist sites such as La Valla, Maisonnettes, Le Rosey, Marlhes, Le Bessat, and La Chaperie—places where the Marist charism first took root.
The journey culminates in Le Puy‑en‑Velay, one of France’s oldest Marian shrines and the traditional starting point of the Camino de Santiago. Here, pilgrims visit the Cathedral of Notre‑Dame du Puy and the revered Black Madonna, recalling the moment of inspiration that sparked the Marist project. Returning to Lyon, the pilgrimage concludes with time for reflection before departure.
Tour details here.
Make a booking here.
For further information, contact: Mr Richard Quinn, richard.quinn@marists.org.au