The Pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial
The pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial originates from the apparitions of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. The Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart is located in the town of Paray-le-Monial in Burgundy, attached to the diocese of Autun. The animation of the sanctuary is entrusted to the Emmanuel Community. Every year, 200,000 pilgrims travel to "Paray" to discover the message of the Sacred Heart revealed to Saint Margaret Mary. The sanctuary is open every day all year round and offers Mass, adoration, confessions, praise, and vespers. In 2025, the Paray-le-Monial sanctuary celebrates the 350th anniversary of the apparitions and offers pilgrims a jubilee itinerary for the occasion.
What is the Pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial?
Origin of the Pilgrimage
From the 10th century, Benedictine monks came to settle in this place in southern Burgundy, conducive to contemplation. The small town developed with the construction of convents, monasteries, and the Romanesque Cluniac church. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a true jewel of Romanesque art.
Between 1673 and 1675, Sister Margaret Mary, a Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial, experienced three major apparitions of Christ who came to reveal to her the secrets of His Sacred Heart. Jesus desires that the message of the Sacred Heart be revealed to the whole world.
How Does a Pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial Take Place?
At Paray-le-Monial, pilgrims come first and foremost to experience the love of Christ. Everyone is invited to open their heart and let themselves be touched by the love of Jesus overflowing from His Sacred Heart. A daily program is offered, and each pilgrim is free to follow it at their own pace. Places of prayer and reflection are distributed throughout the sanctuary.
Daily Program at Paray-le-Monial
08:30: Praise
09:00: Time of Adoration
09:45: Film on the apparitions of the Sacred Heart
10:00: Presentation of the message of the Sacred Heart by a chaplain.
11:00: Mass
12:15: Way of the Cross
14:30: Jubilee itinerary.
Activities Offered to Pilgrims by the Paray-le-Monial Sanctuary
Perpetual adoration at the Chapel of Saint John.
Time for confession offered every day at the Chapel of Saint John (fixed hours).
Vespers at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
The pilgrimage to the Chapel of Romay. Located 1.8 km away, the chapel is a millennial place of pilgrimage to the Virgin, where the drama of children who have not been born is especially entrusted. There is also a miraculous spring there, especially renowned for eye diseases.
The visit to the Hieron Museum of Sacred Art.
The Sacred Heart bookstore.
What Events Take Place at Paray-le-Monial?
Jubilee Itinerary 2025
On the occasion of the 350th anniversary of Jesus's apparitions to Saint Margaret Mary, the sanctuary offers a jubilee itinerary with the passage of the holy door. Through this process, pilgrims express their desire to live united to the Heart of Jesus.
The Highlights of the Year
The first Fridays of the month: special celebrations including the Holy Hour.
February 15: feast of Saint Claude La Colombière
Easter period: Paschal Triduum
The 3rd Friday after Pentecost: the feast of the "Sacred Heart"
July/August: sessions organized by the Emmanuel Community
Around October 16: feast of Saint Margaret Mary
Pray to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Hozana!
At Paray-le-Monial, Jesus revealed to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque the infinite tenderness that flows from His Sacred Heart, (re)discover its message and pray with the dedicated prayer communities on Hozana!
. Discover the message of Paray-le-Monial and the experience of the Heart of Jesus with a daily video from Father Benoît Guédas, rector of the Paray sanctuary.
Pray the , to especially entrust your families. Each day, Father Guédas will guide you with a short video meditation.
, to prepare to consecrate yourself to this blessed Heart which waits only for you, and to tell Him or tell Him again all your love!
