On 8 September 2024, pilgrims gathered for the annual procession of the Grand Pardon de Notre-Dame-de-Lanriot, in Moëlan-sur-Mer, Brittany. France.
The religious procession stretched 7 km from the church in Moëlan-sur-Mer to the picturesque chapel on the banks of the river Belon. The Belon area, renowned for its natural beauty, particularly its coastal landscapes, celebrates this important festival every year.
The pilgrimage attracted between 90 and 100 participants, including holidaymakers and local residents, including ourselves from Beuzec, some thirty kilometres away. We joined the procession and walked to the place where the Eucharist was celebrated. Banners from different groups, cross-bearers, two statues of Notre-Dame carried by volunteers, men and women in traditional Breton costumes all added to the imposing appearance of the event. A horse-drawn cart carried the statue of Notre-Dame-de-Lanriot. As the pilgrims moved forward, they sang hymns in Breton, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin through the rosary, accompanied by the binioù and bombard (musical instruments representative of Brittany). On arrival at the chapel, the statue was placed in a position of honour and Mass was celebrated in the open air. Father Jean Marc gave a homily in which he emphasised the importance and place of devotion to Mary in our daily lives.
After Mass, the pilgrims took part in the procession to the seaside, as Notre-Dame-de-Lanriot is the patron saint of fishermen. Once in port, the statues were placed on a boat by men in Breton costume. A deacon then blessed the sea, the boats and the assembled pilgrims, praying for a bountiful harvest from the ocean. The ceremony ended with the symbolic throwing of a wreath of flowers into the water as a request for protection for the fishermen and in memory of the sailors who died at sea.
Despite a sudden downpour, which was welcomed as a sign of blessing, the pilgrims left joyfully, their hearts full of devotion and grace.
Written by Abiola, Nigerian, discovering a Breton Pardon,
and the DHS community of Beuzec – Concarneau.
Published on 13 September 2024
