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WelcomeThe Chartres Pilgrimage is a tradition that reaches back into the depths of history. The pagans there venerated the Virgo Paritura or Virgin giving birth to a God; the Christians took that to be a dim prefiguring of Our Blessed Lady and built successive Churches and then Cathedrals on the site. The present pilgrimage was revived in 1983 after nearly a century of neglect, and draws a crowd of upwards of 12,000 pilgrims from over 30 countries for three days of prayer and penance. It's a brief opportunity to experience communal Christian life in its fullness, as well as to pray for our own conversion and our neighbours'. The Irish Chapter, under the patronage of St Patrick, has taken part since 1998. As well as pilgrims from all over Ireland, we welcome people from other countries who wish to walk with us. Des Roche Memorial FundThe Des Roche memorial fund is a fund dedicated to helping those who are either still in school or unwaged to attend the annual Paris to Chartres pilgrimage. Much of the fund is due to a yearly donation from a donor in Dublin to whom we are very grateful. If you would like to donate to this fund please contact Vicky Nestor @ vickynestor@gmail.com
Des first came with the Irish Chapter on pilgrimage in 2003 and from the outset it was obvious that he would be a valuable member of the Irish Chapter. His good humour and selflessness was apparent to all and more than enriched the life of the Chapter over the days of the pilgrimage. When many Irish pilgrims had reached the end of their tether and could no longer carry the banners or Cross, Des was there leading the way, laughing and encouraging all especially the younger pilgrims. If one was lost and looking for the Chapter amongst the thousands of pilgrims one only need to look for a tall man and his panama hat! His loss is great and felt dearly by members of both the Latin Mass Society of Ireland and by St. Patrick' s Chapter. Des Roche RIP 2008 |
The Des Roche memorial fund was set up in recognition of the dedication of Des Roche of Model Farm Road, Cork City to the spread of the Extraordinary Rite (Traditional Latin Mass) in the Diocese of Cork and Ross and of his love for the annual Paris to Chartres pilgrimage.