3,500 Scouts from 13 nations trek Burgundy roads in 50th Vézelay pilgrimage, themed “Called to an Apostolate of Beauty,” seeking Holy Spirit’s strength.
Newsroom (07/11/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a vivid display of youthful Catholic devotion, 3,500 scouts and adult leaders from 13 European countries descended on the historic hilltop town of Vézelay for the 50th edition of a pilgrimage that has grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of European scouting tradition.
Held from October 30 to November 2, the event — organized by the Guides and Scouts of Europe — carried the theme “Called to an Apostolate of Beauty.” Participants, primarily Rover Scouts aged 18 to 26, embarked on a four-day trek through the rolling Burgundy countryside, aiming to “rebuild the kingdom of God with their own hands” and draw strength from the Holy Spirit.
The pilgrimage began with thousands setting out from eight churches scattered approximately 25 miles from Vézelay, according to the Guides and Scouts of Europe’s official website. Routes wound through quaint villages such as Marigny, Cure, and Malassis, where scouts camped outdoors, attended Masses, and extended invitations to local residents to join in worship.
What started in 1976 with barely 100 participants has evolved into an iconic annual gathering, transforming the small Burgundy town into a hub of spiritual fervor. This year’s edition emphasized silence, prayer, and fraternity along the roads, with evenings spent in Eucharistic adoration, community sharing, and campfire discussions led by chaplains on Christian commitment.
Grégoire, a Swiss youth attending the event, described the experience to the Guides and Scouts of Europe as “something indescribable” that compels him to return annually and invite friends. “Every year, it’s the same indescribable feeling,” he said.
Highlights included a visit to Paray-le-Monial, the site where Jesus revealed his Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. On October 30, 1,300 Rover Scouts assembled before the church in Anzy-le-Duc, adding to the pilgrimage’s sacred stops.
The journey culminated at St. Mary Magdalene Basilica in Vézelay. Upon arrival, scouts knocked on the church doors with their walking sticks and sang the “Kyrie des gueux” — a traditional plea for sustenance by “poor hungry pilgrims,” adapted from the 1540 German military hymn “Wir zogen in das Feld.” Inside, a traditional vigil gave way to Eucharistic adoration, with priests hearing confessions amid the basilica’s ancient pillars.
On Sunday, November 2, Archbishop Pascal Wintzer of Sens-Auxerre presided over the closing Mass, commissioning the young pilgrims to carry forth the strength received in Vézelay. “The Christian faith is not an insurance policy that protects us from life’s trials,” he declared in his homily, urging the scouts to bear witness amid challenges.
The Vézelay pilgrimage underscores the enduring appeal of Catholic scouting in Europe, blending physical endurance with spiritual renewal in a region steeped in medieval Christian history. For half a century, it has fostered a sense of apostolic mission among the continent’s youth, proving that ancient paths can still inspire modern faith.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
Related Images:
