Walking in the Footsteps of Marcellin: Australian Marists Journey Through Italy and France
- maristbrothers
- 9 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Many members of our Australian Marist family recently embarked on the annual Marist pilgrimage through Italy and France, journeying to places deeply connected to both Marist and Catholic history. The pilgrimage offered pilgrims an opportunity not only to walk in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat and the early Marists, but also to reflect on faith, community, and the enduring Marist spirit.
Michael Neylan from Marist Life, Mission and Formation reflected on the journey and shared the experiences of the pilgrims along the way.
Day 1 & 2 - Marist Pilgrimage 2026
Our Marist pilgrims gathered together after taking many different paths to arrive in Rome and begin the pilgrimage.
The first full day saw the group visit several sacred sites of great significance, including the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, and the Basilica of Saint Clemente.
A poignant moment for many was the opportunity to visit and spend time in prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis.
More pics from Day 1 & 2:
Day 3 - Subiaco
Our pilgrimage took us beyond the vibrant energy of Rome and into the serene hills of Subiaco, the medieval town where St Benedict of Nursia began his monastic journey. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this is where the foundations of Western monasticism were quietly shaped through a life of solitude, prayer, and deep devotion.
Our first stop was the stunning Monastery of Sacro Speco, perched dramatically on a cliff. Built around the cave where Benedict lived as a hermit, the monastery stands as a testament to a life shaped by silence, discipline, and a relentless search for God. Walking through its chapels and frescoed corridors, pilgrims could almost feel the weight of centuries of prayer.
We also visited the Abbey of Santa Scholastica, one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries, where the peaceful cloisters reflected Benedict’s vision of a balanced life of prayer, work, and community.
In these quiet and sacred spaces, pilgrims reflected on themes of humility, perseverance, and finding God in everyday life. The beauty and stillness of Subiaco offered much to contemplate as the journey continued.
View more pics from Day 3:
Day 4 - St Peter’s Basilica
An incredible day began with Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the tomb of St John Paul II. Our pilgrims were welcomed to the Vatican and joined for Mass by The Hon Keith Pitt, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See.
After Mass came a highlight many had been eagerly anticipating - a visit to the statue of Marcellin Champagnat, set within a niche on the exterior of the basilica.
The journey then turned toward the Church’s present and future as pilgrims engaged in rich dialogue at the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, gaining insight from Sister Nathalie Becquart into the synodal path shaping the Church today.
The day concluded with a privileged visit to the Vatican Library. Founded in 1475, it remains one of the world’s great repositories of human knowledge and wisdom, where ancient manuscripts and texts bear witness to centuries of faith, learning, and culture.
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Day 5 - Catacombs of Callixtus
The pilgrimage through Rome continued with visits reflecting different moments in the life of the Church, from its earliest beginnings to the present day.
The day began at the Catacombs of Callixtus, among the oldest and most extensive underground burial sites in Rome, where quiet corridors and ancient frescoes speak of faith, courage, and hope.
At the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle to the Gentiles, pilgrims reflected on the scale and mission of the Church and its call to reach people everywhere. San Bartolomeo offered a reminder of modern martyrs and the courage with which faith continues to be lived today.
The day concluded in Trastevere at Santa Maria, where pilgrims learned about the Community of Sant’Egidio, an inspiring example of the Gospel being lived out in everyday life.
It was a meaningful day connecting the past with the present.
View more pics from Day 5
Day 6 - Marist General House
The morning began with a visit to the Marist General House in Rome. The warm welcome and reunion with old friends served as a reminder that we are part of a global Marist family.
From there, the group travelled north through Umbria toward Assisi, stopping at Santa Maria degli Angeli. Inside the basilica, the small Porziuncola chapel stood in striking contrast to the scale of the building surrounding it, highlighting the importance of humble beginnings in the Franciscan tradition.
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Day 7 - Assisi
A remarkable day was spent in Assisi.
Pilgrims began with Mass at the Basilica of St Francis, visiting his tomb and celebrating Mass in the Chapel of Saint Bonaventure. A delightful surprise awaited the group when their guide through the basilica turned out to be an Australian Franciscan friar.
The day continued with walks through the town of Assisi, taking in the deep spirituality of the place and visiting the Basilica of Saint Clare, the tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis, and the Church of San Damiano.
Later in the afternoon, pilgrims travelled high into the hills above Assisi to the Hermitage of Saint Francis. The quiet tranquillity of the site proved to be a highlight for many.
The final full day in Italy concluded with a celebratory dinner and an opportunity to thank and farewell Br David Hall, who departed the group after the first portion of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims expressed deep gratitude for the care and expertise with which he guided the journey.
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Day 8 - l’Hermitage
After a long day of travel from Assisi to Rome and then onward by flight to Lyon, the pilgrims finally arrived at l’Hermitage.
Day 9 - La Valla
The day centred on the theme of La Valla and family spirit, reflecting on what the place where Marcellin first began his project might mean for Marists today. Pilgrims began by travelling up the valley to the hamlet of Maisonnettes to visit the family home of Gabriel Rivat (Brother François).
From there, the group walked across the Ban Valley to La Valla, retracing a journey Br François and his family would have made countless times. Arriving at the house at La Valla was a deeply anticipated and moving moment. Celebrating Mass around the table that has welcomed generations of Marist pilgrims - a symbol of Marist family spirit - was especially meaningful.
Following Mass, pilgrims shared lunch with the local Brothers’ community. The afternoon included a walk through the town to the chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié, an important place of retreat for Marcellin, and to the local cemetery, where many familiar names from Marist history can still be found.
Leaving La Valla on foot, the group stopped at the famous “Red Cross,” where Marcellin prayed as he first approached the town in 1816, before continuing back down the valley to l’Hermitage. It was a significant day of reflection, tracing the paths of Marist origins and contemplating the family spirit that continues to shape the Marist mission today.
View more pics from Day 9:
Day 10 - l’Hermitage
The day was spent exploring the origins of the Marist story and immersing pilgrims in the spirituality of l’Hermitage.
Br Michael Green helped unpack the history of Marist beginnings through a series of talks focused on:
Marcellin’s time as curate at La Valla and the following sixteen years at l’Hermitage;
the early Brothers who served as “co-founders” alongside Marcellin; and
the spirituality fostered by Marcellin and later interpreted by Br François.
Throughout the day, pilgrims were also given time to enjoy the tranquillity of l’Hermitage and explore its grounds and surroundings.
View more pics from Day 10:
Day 11 - Marlhes
Another incredible day unfolded in Champagnat Country.
The journey began in the region of Marcellin’s boyhood, starting at the parish church in Marlhes before travelling to Le Rosey to visit the Champagnat family home.
Pilgrims celebrated Mass in the chapel built beside the family home following Marcellin’s beatification in 1958, before sharing lunch with the local Brothers’ community.
On the return journey, the group visited the ruins of the farmhouse at La Chaperie, where Marcellin and Br Stanislas prayed the “Memorare in the Snow.”
The day concluded with a walk from Le Bessat through the Gier Valley via La Valla and back to l’Hermitage. The rugged but beautiful trek offered pilgrims a glimpse into the countless journeys Marcellin himself undertook on foot across these hills.
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Day 12 - Le Puy-en-Velay
The day was dedicated to visiting the place where the Marist project was first conceived - the ancient city of Le Puy-en-Velay. Le Puy has long held an important place in the religious life of the region and is also recognised as one of the traditional starting points of the Camino de Santiago.
Pilgrims began with Mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, a site deeply connected to the earliest moments of the Marist story.
The afternoon provided an opportunity to climb several significant landmarks, including the statue of Notre Dame de France and the Chapel of Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe, both dramatically situated atop ancient volcanic plugs.
View more pics from Day 12:
Day 13 - Lyon
The morning at l’Hermitage was spent exploring more deeply the origins and intuitions of the founding Marists, while reflecting on what these foundations might mean for the Marist future. Pilgrims expressed gratitude for the presence of Br Michael Green, whose insights into Marist history continually challenged and inspired the group to look forward with renewed purpose.
After lunch, the group travelled to Lyon, beginning at Fourvière and the very chapel where the first Marists pledged to establish the Society of Mary. There, pilgrims celebrated Mass and renewed their own commitment to the Marist project today - a symbolic moment as the pilgrimage drew toward its conclusion.
The evening concluded with a celebratory final dinner together in Lyon.
View more pics from Day 13
Day 14 - Goodbye!
The final day began with a special blessing using water from the Gier, followed by a time of recollection and reflection on the pilgrimage experience.
Pilgrims offered heartfelt thanks for the hospitality of the Brothers’ community at l’Hermitage, whose welcome helped make the place feel like home for all Marists.
Fr Gavin led the celebration of a beautiful final Mass before pilgrims received a concluding commissioning blessing.
As the group departed Lyon to take many different paths home, hearts were filled with gratitude for the experience and renewed passion to bring life to the Marist mission within their own communities and ministries.
View more pics from the final day:
-contributed by Michael Neylan, Marist Mission and Life Formation (MLF)
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