Since 1975 Paray-le-Monial has rediscovered its vocation as an important spiritual center and a place of pilgrimage. Close to the Heart of Jesus, the Church is transformed, and draws new strength for announcing the Gospel.

The Emmanuel Community started to organize summer sessions in Paray-le-Monial in 1975. The first gathered a few hundred people. Year after year the number of participants increased, the number of sessions grew and firmly became international in character.

Today, close to 300,000 pilgrims come to Paray-le-Monial each year. They are greeted by the chaplains,
priests of the Emmanuel Community whose mission, given by the local bishop , is to welcome pilgrimages and make Paray and its message better know. Several priests and a group of lay people work all year round, providing a spiritual welcome for the many movements and dioceses who come on pilgrimage, but also making the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus better know throughout the world by way of conferences, parish missions and the pilgrimage magazine.

A welcome in the shrine of Paray-le-Monial is provided by the diocesan priests: the Chaplains of Paray-le-Monial. Since 1985, the shrine has been entrusted by the Bishop of Autun to priests and laity from the Emmanuel Community.

In the shrine, there are several places of prayer and welcome, very near to one another, where you will be able to find your inner resources and discover the message of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary.

Sites in Paray-le-Monial

Chapel of the Apparitions
In this chapel, Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret Mary and revealed to her his heart "burning with love" for man. Nuns of the Visitation order still live in the convent attached to the chapel. Pilgrims may join in their prayer, take part in the Eucharist and gather before the shrine of Saint Margaret Mary.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart
This magnificent church, a jewel of Romanesque art, was completed in the XIIth century. As the parish church, today it welcomes numerous groups.

Chapel of Claude La Colombière
Built in 1929, this chapel houses the relics of Saint Claude La Colombière. This Jesuit father, canonised in 1992, was the confessor of Saint Margaret Mary.

Chapel of Saint Jean
Consecrated in 1996, this chapel is located in the chevet of the basilica. This is a place devoted to silent prayer and the permanent adoration of the Eucharist.

The Chaplains' Park
The park is available to pilgrims for prayer and relaxation. A diorama offers a sound and light display on the life of Saint Margaret Mary. A dome hosts open-air celebrations and processions. Located at the entrance to the park, the shrine shop offers books and religious objects.