Last place of stay of the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa in France was the adoration chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of Bayonne Cathedral - Saint André chapel, where she spent the night. The next morning came representatives of the Spanish Federation of Pro-Life Movement and Family Ministry.
Bernard Samoyeau, who was the driver of Our Lady and drove with the "Life Mobile" the entire route from Vaudricourt to Bayonne, proudly stated that in France Czestochowa icon traveled over 7,000 km. In the middle of the route he was joined by Mahir Doman - Christian of Turkish origin very dedicated to the Mother of God. Thanks to his loving care the Icon was properly lit and treated in a dignified way.
Mahir also was the person who first took care of the icon in France. According to a pre-planned route of the pilgrimage to France, Icon was to be cross the see by ferry from Ireland, where the altar on wheels was not used. The "Life Mobile" after technical inspection and necessary repairs made in England by Lech Kowalewski, arrived earlier by ferry and was waiting for her at the Polish Oblates in Vaudricourt. It was expected that Our Lady will arrive by ferry to Calais, located only an hour away. But few days earlier, it turned out that the ferry arrives with the Mother of God in a completely different place (about 5 hours away from Vaudricourt) to Cherbourg-Octevlle. French organizers of the pilgrimage had to change plans quickly. It was not possible to go there with "Mobile Life" as the car that was to tow it, was not hired until the next day, and the driver was not ready. Mahir rushed to the rescue. He drove all night from Paris, to make it on time to the ferry terminal. The ride was very difficult, because a strong wind was blowing and it was pouring with rain. It was as if all the forces of evil tried to stop visit of Our Lady in France. At sea, was a big storm. Mahir did not give up and praying all the way arrived on time, although it was quite dangerous. The ferry was over an hour late. He brought her safely to Vaudricourt. He is Also the one who prayed in front of Her Icon in Aramaic - in the language used by Jesus and His Mother.
The main organizers of the pilgrimage through France are Véronique and Philippe Bourillon, members of the International Organizing Committee of the pilgrimage "From Ocean to Ocean", representing the French Society of Notre-Dame de France (http://notre-dame-de-france.com/). The organization of the pilgrimage of Our Lady in secular France was not an easy task. Preparations took several months of intense work, especially of Veronica. Today, Our Lady has already completed her visit to France, we conclude that there took place about 45 prayer vigils in front of the Icon of Czestochowa (usually combined with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament), she organized several Masses with a special intention - protection of unborn children, which in France is a big event. The Mother of God met with several hundred happily praying children in great confidence. The ceremony was attended by many bishops and priests, happy that they could once again see the church full of believers. Our Lady also visited 20 French monasteries, where she was warmly welcomed.
Here is a brief testimony of Veronica:
A particular fioretti (small flowers): in an hospital, where a woman brought an Icon image, that she had laid against the pilgrim Icon during and praying, ALL 8 women, who planed to abort, went back home without abortion? Thank You Mary!