Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Father Louden Redinger, an assistant pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln, is set to lead a pilgrimage to France from June 15 to June 24. The pilgrimage was initiated by parishioners John and Julie Love, who approached Father Redinger with the idea.

Father Redinger expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “I couldn’t contain my excitement and joy at the opportunity,” adding that he felt "very blessed to do so."

He recounted his previous experience in France at the age of 16 when he attended World Youth Day in Madrid with a group from the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln. During that trip, they also visited Paris and Lourdes. Father Redinger mentioned that this experience was made possible by the prayers and financial support of his parish priest, the late Father Paul York in Crete.

While in France, Father Redinger was inspired by the Holy Spirit to consider a vocation to priesthood. “Fourteen years later, I’m looking forward to returning to the places which inspired me so much and giving thanks to Our Lady for calling me and sustaining me in priestly ministry,” he commented.

The pilgrimage will involve daily Mass and opportunities to pray at sacred sites in France, such as Lourdes and Lisieux, the town associated with St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, known as the “Little Flower.”

Father Redinger explained the spiritual significance of pilgrimages as “a powerful way to obtain favors from God, as an act of penance, or as an act of gratitude for favors or blessings received from Him.” He also highlighted the connection to the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, describing it as “a graced time to take a ‘Pilgrimage of Hope,’ and in the words of Pope Francis, ‘a privileged time to rediscover, proclaim, and build hope in our lives.’”

Interested individuals can register or get more information by visiting the provided website: https://journeyoffaithtours.com/france25.