Overview

• The 43rd annual pilgrimage began June 7 from the church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris and is set to conclude at Chartres Cathedral on June 9 after a 100 km route.
• Organizers say registrations sold out within hours, yielding a record high of 19,000 participants and reflecting a 9% annual growth trend over the past decade.
• Pilgrims average 24 years old and include about 1,700 international walkers representing 40 countries.
• The event features 327 traditional Latin Masses along with chants, prayers, confessions and is staffed by 400 priests and 1,200 volunteers.
• Despite a recent Vatican reminder that organizers lack liturgical authority, Notre-Dame de Chrétienté insists on preserving the Tridentine rite throughout the pilgrimage.