Finally, it became so popular that the Cathedral in Chartres had to open its doors to these traditionalist pilgrims, whose number by that time had swelled to ten thousand strong. Pilgrims sleep outside, in floor-less tents. They eat soup, bread and water. They develop horrible blisters and they suffer unbelievable fatigue. And yet there is no experience like this thoroughly wonderful one.
Catholics come from all over Europe, Canada and the United States.
They come from Russia, Poland, Australia, the Ukraine and the Mid East. The Pilgrimage to Chartres is a huge triumph for every man, woman and child who calls himself a traditional Catholic. With flags waving, banners flying, and statues of saints and the Virgin Mary being held aloft for all to see, this column of pilgrims stretches out for miles across France, for three whole days. And remember, this is not a pilgrimage of twenty thousand old people. As a matter of fact, we strongly caution those over 55 or who are in any way sickly, not to attempt this grueling walk.