From September 2025 to the present, the Prado’s Pilgrimage and Visitor Services Department was delighted to welcome and guide more than 2,000 visitors and pilgrims. Coming from Lyon and the surrounding area, as well as from various regions of France and from around the world, they explored the places marked by the life, work, and mission of Blessed Antoine Chevrier.
In the Footsteps of Blessed Father Chevrier
During these visits, which at La Guillotière generally begin with a screening of the DVD « Children's Perspectives on Father Chevrier », volunteers were able to give visitors a tour of the Maison du Prado—which houses Father Chevrier’s bedroom, the chapel, and the museum that traces the major milestones of his life—to people from all ages. Other sites linked to its history, such as the Maison Saint-André in Limonest and the Tableau de Saint-Fons, are also part of the suggested tour.
Through these places and stops along the way, everyone was able to walk at their own pace in the footsteps of Blessed Father Chevrier, and everyone was able to learn more about his life, his work, and his spirituality: to proclaim Jesus Christ to the poorest and to train true disciples.
A meaningful mission led by a dedicated team
The pilgrimage service relies on the commitment of a about 40 people. Volunteers, Prado employees, and many members of the Prado Spiritual Family (priests, sisters, laypeople, consecrated laypeople, etc.) participate, depending on their availability, in welcoming visitors, manning information desks, leading guided tours, and accompanying groups and pilgrims.
The many testimonials we have received show just how valuable these moments of discovery, prayer, and fellowship are for those who walk through the doors of the Prado.
A big thank you to Father Dominique Nalis, who supported, coordinated, and worked to develop this culture of hospitality and pilgrimage at the Prado. Through his dedication, his care for those he welcomed, and his commitment to helping others discover the richness of Father Chevrier’s message, he contributed greatly to the influence of this mission.
A fraternal gathering to improve the welcome extended to visitors and pilgrims
Thursday, June 25, At the invitation of Father Dominique, 17 of the 40 volunteers involved in this wonderful mission of hospitality were able to gather for an evening of work and fellowship at Maison Saint-André in Limonest. This gathering provided an opportunity to get to know one another better, to share a simple and collegial review of the 2025–2026 season, and to discuss plans for the coming months and the start of the new school year this coming September.
The evening began with a friendly introductory session led by Virginie. Everyone had the chance to get to know one another by playfully sharing their first names, ages, and backgrounds in pilgrimage ministry. Some, like Father Jacques Jouham, have been leading tours for decades, while others are just starting out, such as Sister Élisabeth, who humorously describes herself as «on an internship» since her arrival in St. Fons last October.
This gathering also provided an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful diversity of generations within the team: from Nadine, a 34-year-old layperson from Prado, to Father Jacques Jouham, who, like Father Michel, is 84 years old.
Another game highlighted the strength of the bonds that already existed within the team: while some were still getting to know their new teammates, others had already formed relationships with most of the participants.
After the celebration of Vespers at the Chapel of the Maison Saint-André in Limonest, attended by Fathers Wilguens Saint-Fleur and Philippe Moignet, the evening continued with a convivial dinner hosted by the department. It was a wonderful moment of fellowship that allowed everyone to continue their conversations.
A variety of places and paths to explore
The discussions provided an opportunity to take stock of the many shelters associated with Father Chevrier and the people who staff them:
- At La Guillotière, 12 volunteers from the parish of Blessed Antoine Chevrier are stepping up to help, supported by the sisters and priests of Prado. They are available on Wednesdays starting at 2:30 p.m. or by appointment. The sisters make it possible for the chapel to be open on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Father Michel welcomes visitors every Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for visits and confessions.
- In St. Fons, Father Jacques regularly welcomes pilgrims for days of spiritual guidance. The Sisters of Prado offer guided tours and open the chapel on Wednesday afternoons.
- In Limonest, Sister Loli accompanies many groups, including those from Madagascar and, of course, Spanish-speaking groups. The missionary fraternity continues its mission with Jean-Yves Leborgne and Father Wilguens, ahead of Father Philippe’s departure in August.
- At the Moulin-à-Vent, Father Antoine Chevrier’s first parish; the church remains open to everyone, but guided tours are available by appointment with Mr. Jean-Luc Nauche.
The program is diverse and can be tailored to each visitor or group depending on how much time they wish to spend exploring each site. Customized itineraries are available to meet specific requests. Tours can also be organized over several days, with the option of staying at one of Limonest’s guesthouses (Saint-André or Saint-Claude).
Thanks to everyone’s commitment, the groups are guided throughout their journey to gain a deeper understanding of the history, spirituality, and legacy of Blessed Antoine Chevrier.
Bright prospects for the future
The meeting also provided an opportunity to plan for the future. A small coordination team is being formed:
- The Father Yves Delavoix (Prado de France) is taking over from Father Dominique Nalis, who is returning to his diocese after his mission with Prado de France,
- Virginie will continue to manage the schedules from the «13» (13 Rue Père Chevrier, the Prado’s headquarters),
- The Father Joseph (Assistant to the General Manager of the Prado) and Philippe (Volunteer coordinators from the Parish of Blessed Antoine Chevrier) will also be on hand to assist visitors and pilgrims.
This meeting served as a reminder of just how much the care of pilgrims depends on a true teamwork. Each person is a link in the chain, serving those who come to explore the sites of Le Prado and follow in the footsteps of Father Antoine Chevrier.
Thank you once again to all the volunteers—friends of the Prado—who, with passion and generosity, dedicate themselves to welcoming visitors and passing on the legacy of Blessed Antoine Chevrier.
Thank you also to the members of the Prado Family, who contribute every day to spreading the spirituality of the Prado’s Founder and sharing its richness.
So that everyone may discover the joy of following the poor Jesus in the footsteps of Father Chevrier, let us continue to open our doors and our hearts.
To learn more, or to plan your visit or pilgrimage,
contact pelerinages@leprado.org or 04 78 72 41 67.
