The wonderful world of Marian devotions

In the seventies, France's parishes, youth ministries and youth movements did little to promote devotion to the Rosary. I was completely ignorant of this type of prayer until I entered the seminary, when I was suddenly plunged into this new and wonderful world of Marian devotions.

In the years that followed, spurred on by my seminary professors, I developed the sweet and worthy habit of reciting my rosary. I will never forget how, before our astonished eyes - we were French kids schooled in secularism - King Baudouin of Belgium mingled with young student pilgrims, walking towards Notre-Dame de Beauraing and praying with us, rosary in hand.

When I became a priest and a high school chaplain, I in turn led a group of 35 boisterous teenagers in praying the rosary at Lourdes, in front of the Massabielle grotto. At nightfall, our unruly youths, far removed from party noise and drinking, mingled their serene voices with the quiet rustle of the River Gave. 

Funnily enough, two ducks and a toad wandered in amongst the young worshipers, as if they wanted to join in the peaceful atmosphere! Two old German ladies came to sit with us, too. The remarkable thing about this motley gathering was that everyone felt comfortable with each other. This free, fraternal and peaceful moment was a truly Marian grace.

Father Guillaume de Menthière

Professor of theology at the Cathedral School of Paris and the Collège des Bernardins