Chronicle of Wednesday 15 July

Our pilgrimage to Paris began with the sending-off Mass, celebrated the day before setting out. With all the pilgrims gathered together, we placed these days in the hands of the Lord. During the celebration, each pilgrim received the pilgrim’s cross and a rosary, two simple signs that will accompany us throughout this pilgrimage and that remind us that the true destination of this way is not just Paris, but the encounter with Christ.

Even before daybreak, at five in the morning, the two vans set off for France and fired the starting gun for this new adventure. With the roads still empty, the first kilometres passed amid conversations, silences and the odd nap.

It soon became clear that the day’s Guinness record would be hotly contested. Geri and Fr Joan put on a real display of sleeping stamina: they showed that it is possible to sleep practically from one end of the journey to the other. The jury is still deliberating, but the competition promises to remain open throughout the pilgrimage.

The first stop presented us with an unexpected challenge: getting a coffee at a French motorway service station. The problem wasn’t speaking French, but understanding a machine that seemed designed to test the patience of the most experienced pilgrim. Between buttons, incomprehensible names and coffee options open to doubtful interpretation, choosing the right drink became a little adventure. In the end, with more intuition than certainty, we all ended up with a coffee in hand.

One of the most talked-about moments of the day starred the Gel brothers. While the rest were looking for lunch, they took out the diet menu their father, Xavi Gel, had prepared for them: a bread roll and a tin of tuna. A simple lunch, but perfectly planned.

After many hours on the road, we finally arrived in Paris. With the tiredness that comes with a long journey, but also with our excitement intact, we unloaded the suitcases and settled into what will be our home for these days.

We ended the day by celebrating Mass. In the homily, Fr Joan reminded us that in these days we are called to prepare our hearts for God. He invited us to let go of everything that is not truly important and to live the pilgrimage with sobriety and simplicity. Only a light heart can fully welcome the gifts the Lord wants to give us along this way.