Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Gretchen R. Crowe, OSV News

PARIS — Paris, renowned as the City of Light, is currently hosting the 33rd Summer Olympics. The event has drawn an influx of visitors, with an estimated 15.3 million people joining the city’s 12.4 million residents over the course of the 16-day competition.

This surge in visitors presents a unique opportunity for pilgrim sites in Paris, notably the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre. Since 1885, this basilica has offered perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

“We want to welcome the many visitors who will come to discover le Sacré Coeur at the top of the Montmartre hill,” states their website. Throughout the Olympics, from 3 to 7 p.m., they are offering a “2024 Summer Games” course that includes activities related to sports and opportunities for fraternity and spiritual growth.

The basilica is also providing multilingual Masses, rosaries, and excerpts from Scripture. A chapel dedicated to prayer for peace and athletes allows pilgrims to light candles.

A lesser-known but significant Catholic pilgrimage site is located on Rue de Bac on Paris's Left Bank: Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel. Here, Mary appeared three times to St. Catherine Labouré from July to December 1830.

During these apparitions, Mary expressed her desire for what is now known as the Miraculous Medal to be created—a medal worn by millions worldwide.

The chapel welcomes approximately 2-3 million visitors annually and features a sanctuary adorned with art reflecting Mary's apparitions. It houses relics of St. Catherine (whose body remains incorrupt) and St. Louise de Marillac's heart.

Daughter of Charity Sister Judith Mauser emphasized why visitors should include this shrine in their itineraries: “We can go to the foot of any altar and find Jesus present there... But there is a special presence that remains (at the shrine).”

Sister Judith explained that visitors often find peace and reconciliation due to sacraments like confessions held daily at the shrine.

The most compelling reason for visiting remains Mary’s appearance at this location first noted by St. Catherine during prayer sessions where she saw Mary holding a globe representing humanity offered up to God.

St. Catherine then saw rays of light streaming from Mary's jeweled fingers symbolizing graces bestowed upon those who ask confidently—a message inscribed on every Miraculous Medal: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Sister Judith described how after its creation in 1832 following much perseverance, "People were protected from great danger, healed from deadly diseases," leading it being named 'the Miraculous Medal.'

However, she cautioned against viewing it as an amulet or talisman but rather as "a reminder…to turn towards Mary" through faith demonstrated by wearing or carrying it while praying its invocation during difficult times.

Stories continue about individuals experiencing protection or unexpected healings attributed towards wearing this medal stemming back from simple invitation extended by Mary via St.Catherine inviting everyone towards closer relationship with her son alongside interceding not only personal needs but others too shared Sister Judith adding how such universality makes Chapel always relevant destination especially amidst ongoing international gatherings like current Olympics set concluding August11 though Chapel itself remains open year-round except January clean-up closure lasting three weeks annually