Journey to the Heart of France

June 25, 2026

Polish chaplains encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the country where the devotion originated 350 years ago

By Jarosław Herman

June 25, 2026

Polish Knights of Columbus chaplains celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. John Vianney at the Basilica of Ars in Ars-sur-Formans, France. — Father Wiesław Lenartowicz (center), chaplain of Our Lady of Częstochowa Queen of Poland Council 14004 in Radom, celebrates Mass with fellow Polish Knights of Columbus chaplains at the tomb of St. John Vianney at the Basilica of Ars in Ars-sur-Formans, France, on April 14.

As the nationwide tour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Pilgrim Icon drew to a close in Poland, Knights of Columbus chaplains journeyed to France to visit the places where devotion to the Sacred Heart first took root 350 years ago.

The pilgrimage, held April 13-18, marked the 20th anniversary of the Order’s presence in Poland and centered on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom the priests entrusted their ministry and councils. Fourteen Polish chaplains visited more than 10 sites important to France’s spiritual heritage, including Annecy, where St. Francis de Sales was educated; historic locations in Lyon; and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris.

Two destinations, however, formed the heart of the pilgrimage: Ars-sur-Formans, home of St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests, and the Chapel of the Apparitions in Paray-le-Monial, where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received visions of the Sacred Heart between 1673 and 1675.

At the Basilica of Ars, the chaplains celebrated Mass at the main altar near the incorrupt body of St. John Vianney, the beloved Curé d’Ars.

“I think Blessed Michael McGivney is truly the American Curé d’Ars — a priest devoted to his parish and to the salvation of souls,” said Father Pierre Amar, national chaplain for the Knights of Columbus in France, whom the Polish chaplains met in Paris.

The Sacred Heart also held particular significance for Father McGivney. When his tomb was opened, a badge of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was found with his body.

Polish Knights of Columbus chaplains visit the Chapel of the Apparitions in Paray-le-Monial, France. — Polish Knights of Columbus chaplains visit the Chapel of the Apparitions in Paray-le-Monial, France, on April 15. The chapel is the site where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century.

“The Sacred Heart does not belong to France alone but to the whole world,” Father Amar added.

The pilgrims’ visit to the Chapel of the Apparitions inspired special reflection.

“The return to the Sacred Heart is especially important in our times, marked by wars and violence,” said Father Zbigniew Gaczyński, chaplain of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Council 16708 in Radom. “To fight evil, we need power from on high. ... We must lean on the Heart of Jesus.”

That devotion is already bearing fruit in Poland through the Knights of Columbus Pilgrim Icon Program. The program’s icon features Pompeo Batoni’s renowned 1767 image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, now housed in the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Since the program’s launch in early 2025, more than 300 blessed Sacred Heart icons have traveled to parishes around the world.

“I noticed that for many Knights and their families, it was a discovery of the message of Paray-le-Monial,” Father Gaczyński said. “Thanks to the [Pilgrim Icon Program], the entire parish was touched.”

After visiting the relics of St. Bernadette in Nevers and the cathedrals of Bourges and Chartres, the chaplains arrived in Paris for the final stage of their pilgrimage. One of their first stops was Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur.

“I had my most profound experience in Paris at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica,” recalled Father Krystian Wilczyński, chaplain of Sister Faustina Council 17906 in Gdansk. “We stepped out of the noisy clamor of Paris and into an oasis of silence for adoration.”

The bonds of fraternity across the Order was evident during a visit to the home of France Territorial Deputy Arnaud Bouthéon in Paris, where the Polish chaplains shared a meal and conversation with French Knights.

“The open hospitality of the territorial deputy, the shared meal and the warm atmosphere made all the priests feel as though they were visiting family,” said Father Wiesław Lenartowicz, who organized the pilgrimage. “We had the opportunity to learn about their joys and successes and to listen to their honest sharing of concerns and challenges. It gave us a new perspective on our ministry.”

Polish Knights of Columbus chaplains and French Knights gather for a meeting in Paris. — Polish Knights of Columbus chaplains and French Knights gather for a meeting at the home of France Territorial Deputy Arnaud Bouthéon in Paris on April 17.

The gathering left a strong impression on the French hosts as well.

“I was deeply struck by the diversity of profiles among all these priests: young and not-so-young, military chaplains, parish priests, university professors, missionaries,” Father Amar said. “All very different, yet united by the same ideal.”

Despite the challenges facing the Church in France, Father Amar expressed hope and underscored the Knights’ mission.

“The Church in France is certainly fragile, but resilient,” he said. “Secularization is real and calls us to be authentic and credible witnesses.”

Reflecting on discussions about faith in a secular culture, Father Wilczyński recalled an observation shared by Bouthéon.

“Secularization does not touch human hearts, but it touches the surroundings — the external everyday life,” Father Wilczyński said. “However, only the sacraments can touch hearts, and therefore the Church should lead people to an encounter with God in the sacraments.”

The final morning in Paris brought the pilgrims to the recently restored Notre-Dame Cathedral.

“It’s a symbol of a certain kind of rebirth, of resurrection,” Father Wilczyński said. “I also connect this with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced yet living for us.”

The pilgrimage strengthened the chaplains for the challenges awaiting them at home.

“We all went to France knowing the situation of the Church in Poland and the wave of departures, especially among young people,” Father Lenartowicz said.

“[But we were also] impressed by the wave of adult conversions in France and the record number of baptisms this Easter,” he added. “All along the route we met young people praying privately in churches during the day. This gives us hope and motivates our work.”

*****

JAROSŁAW HERMAN writes from Kraków, Poland.

An aerial view shows the Sanctuary of Christ the King in Guanajuato, Mexico’s geographic center.

Journey to the Heart of France

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