"An uncompromising faith": the immense pilgrimage of young traditionalists departs from Paris for Chartres- more from the French press

Thousands of traditionalist Catholics have begun their journey to Chartres. This growing number illustrates a more pronounced relationship with faith among some.

While religious expression appears to be less pronounced in quantity, it is increasing among some, particularly young people. This is evidenced by the march that began this Saturday, June 7, from the Saint-Sulpice Church in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, by thousands of people, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP). These pilgrims are participating in the largest gathering of traditionalist Catholics in France, on the occasion of Pentecost.

A contested vision of religion

This year, the event is bringing together a record 19,000 worshippers, with an average age of 24, according to the organizers. From Latin masses to hymns and prayers, the three days will be punctuated by a traditionalist liturgy contested by the French episcopate. In March 2025, the President of the French Bishops' Conference (CEF), Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, lamented to Le Pèlerin that the pilgrimage organizers were "hardening" into "an understanding of Tradition that ends up being false."

Despite these quarrels, young people seem increasingly attracted. "It's great, it also gives a boost to Catholic youth," Solenn Duchelas, 18, told AFP. She's carrying a rosary, a raincoat, a water bottle, and food in her bag—because "you have to keep going, it's especially the first day that's difficult, with 40 kilometers." A total of 100 kilometers are planned. A sporting challenge that doesn't scare some, particularly drawn to the use of Latin.

"Latin brings a more sacred side," says Victor, 23. "Everyone understands it; it's universal," adds her neighbor Alice, 21. "It's our first Latin Mass; we're going to discover all that with my big brother!" enthuses Foulques de Gastines, 22. For Philippe Darantière, President of the organizing association Notre-Dame de Chrétienté, participants come to find "what the world no longer offers them," with "a faith expressed in a clear, uncompromising way."

Increase in Baptisms

Interviewed by AFP, Bishop Matthieu Rougé of the Diocese of Nanterre believes that this is "one of the expressions, but not the only one, of the Catholicism of adherence that we see growing in the face of the decline of sociological Catholicism." This observation is corroborated by a CEF study published before Easter, which noted a 45% increase in adult baptisms compared to 2024, and a 33% increase among adolescents.

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