Eighteen Educators of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (ESCJs) traveled from Atherton, California to Joigny, Paris and Amiens for an Easter retreat and pilgrimage “in the footsteps of St. Madeleine Sophie.” They flew to Paris and took the train immediately to Joigny, where they spent the Easter weekend at the Madeleine Sophie Center. On Monday, they enjoyed a day-long trip through the Burgundy wine country. On Tuesday they returned to Paris and spent the afternoon at the Musee Rodin, paying particular attention to architectural details that connect with Sacred Heart’s use of the space there in the 19th century. On Wednesday, half of the group traveled to Amiens, where they enjoyed a tour of the school led by Sr. Christiane Chazottes and the President of the Amiens Alumni Association, Mme. Colette Boulange; and on Thursday they enjoyed a free day in Paris to explore other “Sophie sites” and enjoy the beautiful weather. Pictured here, the group poses in front of the Church of St. Thibaut, where Sophie was baptized and worshiped; and in the vineyards up behind Sophie’s home, where she so much loved to walk and play as a child.

In front of the Church of St. Thibaut

Vinyards behind Sophie's home