SW News: Two young French Catholic pilgrims are experiencing unprecedented levels of hospitality thanks to the statue of Our Lady in their possession. Penniless with just two sets of clothes and pockets full of Miraculous Medals and a statue of the Blessed Mother, 23-year-old Estelle Casanova and 25-year-old Jeanne-Elisabeth Seroth are warmly welcomed when they knock at the doors of strangers seeking shelter at night as they continue their months-long pilgrimage on foot visiting the major shrines of France. The duo believes that no one can say ‘no’ after seeing the sacred image of the Mother of God.

Their journey of faith began a few months ago and they plan to cover 1,600 kilometres praying at the five great Marian sanctuaries that form an ‘M’ on the map of France. During their walk, they pray and recite the Rosary seeking blessings on all whom they meet daily. They will also visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint Michel and the Marian shrine of Pontmain, which is the site of an apparition of Our Lady. The two friends will also pray at the Sainte-Anne d’Auray Basilica in Brittany, which is the main pilgrim center in the region and the third most popular in the country after Lourdes and Lisieux.

Travelling on foot, they evangelize the people they meet and share their testimonials. They also generously distribute Miraculous Medals to everyone they meet, including their hospitable hosts. On many occasions, the families that host them are curious to know about the faith and come closer to God. During the 100 days they have clocked so far, not a single night were they forced to sleep on the streets as the Virgin opened doors and hearts. All this happens amid the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions.

The duo belongs to a growing generation of young believers in France who are passionate about the Traditional Mass and at the same time use Charismatic evangelization methods to spread the Gospel. The blend of the traditional and the Charismatic can be witnessed in communities such as the Missionaries of Divine Mercy, the community of San Martin and the Canons Regular of Lagrasse.
Even after completing their 1,600-kilometre pilgrimage, both Estelle and Jeanne plan to continue their evangelization efforts.