The Confraternity of Notre Dame de France, d’Europe et du Monde

The Confraternity of Notre Dame de France was born in 1988 with 25 000 people who brought about the erection of the statue of Notre Dame de France at Baillet en France. On October 15, 52000 from many differing backgrounds and movements within the Church gathered for the blessing of Cardinal Lustiger, the Nuncio and seven bishops. The numbers of this first group were swelled by more volunteers, eager to respond to the many pressing appeals of John Paul II to live the years leading up to the great Jubilee of 2000 as a New Advent through prayer with Mary. This venture, which came about as a result of prayer, depends on the generosity of those people who make themselves available to help Mary come to visit her children.

This lay Catholic initiative, which has earned the encouragement of many bishops and of Rome, relies for financial support on the gifts and offerings of the faithful. This movement of prayer, in all its simplicity and poverty, both embraces and informs popular piety. It forms part of the response to the Church’s appeal on behalf of this present age. It could lead many souls onward in faith and prayer. It could reach out to many who have never had contact with the Church. For Our Lady is held loved and revered well beyond the Catholic Church. And that is the true meaning of this venture: Mary is coming to visit her children to call them to her heart and to lead them to her son.