This year, the Route du Directoire took place in Switzerland between Altreu and Soyhières, passing through the sanctuary of Mariastein, from 27 July to 8 August. This is the 10th time that Oblate Sisters have walked stopping with overnight stays to recharge their batteries, to meet people but also to pray for a particular intention. This year’s pilgrimage was intended to give thanks to God for our vocation as Oblates, ours and that of the Congregation.
Some Sisters were volunteers for walking but all the Communities of Europe were invited to join the hike with a prayer written for this occasion. Each Gloria Patri or sign of the cross pronounced during the day made it possible to praise the Trinity.
We present some excerpts from the prayers written by the Communities:
Praise be to You, God our Father, you are at the origin of our vocation as Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. (…)
Praise be to you, Jesus, Son of God, You are the soil where our vocation takes root. (…)
Praise be to you, Holy Spirit, eternal companion of our offering to the world. (…)
For our vocation as Oblate of St. Francis de Sales God be praised, loving Father God be praised, Son Saviour God be praised, Holy Spirit acting. Amen


Prayer, walking and fraternal life
This route is above all about living our life as Oblates, far from our daily activities, simply in the middle of nature.
“The day before yesterday, we spent a day of rest at the Ordons refuge, a wonderful site, a chalet for hikers and skiers. We took the opportunity to grill the famous cervelas (sausages) of August 1st (Swiss National Day) and in the evening we even made a fondue. Then a relaxing evening where we played Swiss card game: jass. Two very lively games that finally led the two teams coequal. A lot of strategy, but also good laughs. »
Wonder and a change of scenery guaranteed
On this day, the Sisters descended from the Weissenstein and admired the splendid view of the Bernese Alps. They arrived in a very rustic refuge in Wannenfluh. Many were surprised to see four Sisters succeed:
“We learned the next day that some peasants had followed us with their binoculars when they saw that we were heading towards the inaccessible refuge. Indeed, like maquisards, we crossed the cow fields to the refuge hidden in the hollow of a valley. A truly delicious moment when discovering this authentic and warm cottage. No drinking water. It was necessary, as in the old days, to pump the water from the cistern and light the fire in the wood-burning stove to boil water. Relatively quiet night due to the owl holding a long press conference. »


Encounters
Whether during the walk or in the places of accommodation, the Pilgrim Sisters were able to meet wonderful people. For example, in the street: “When we arrived in Solothurn, Christophe offered us bananas that he distributes with his Association so that unsold food can at least be redistributed”. In this city, the walkers were accommodated at the Visitation. In this beautiful monastery, there is only one Visitandine left, but a Salesian Community of Indian Sisters surrounds it. The welcome was very warm, the Oblates felt at home.
During a visit to Alsace, the walkers had an unlikely encounter: “When we arrived at the Neuneich pass, a group of about thirty people were there having an aperitif. Indeed, a lady was celebrating her 60th birthday with one of her religious friends who was celebrating her 75th birthday. They approached us to invite us to have a glass of Champagne with them, all this in a mountain hiking setting. The lady’s son makes Champagne in Montgueux… So it was Aube Champagne, our home Champagne, that was offered to us!”
“Our road once again crossed paths with two history enthusiasts of the Second World War. There are indeed many Blaukaus-style shelters in Alsace.”

The most memorable event for all of the Oblate Pilgrims took place in Beinwill. There, there is an Orthodox monastery installed in a former Benedictine monastery that the Oblates were able to visit.
“The monks gave us an exceptional fraternal welcome. A room with beds was waiting for us as well as a real shower! Then, at 5 p.m., we went to the crypt led by a monk for the liturgy until 6 p.m., Liturgy sung in Moldovan and German. After the Liturgy, we were invited to have our meal with the monks and the guests. The last beautiful moment lived with the monks: the announcement of the time of the office, which does not pass through the bells but through this wooden board that the regulation monk strikes with a mallet half an hour before the service, then 15 minutes before, then at the time of the office itself. “
Contingencies and Providence
On the way to Beinvill, in the mountains, the storm rumbles, but on the way there is a shepherd’s hut.
It’s time for a lunch break. “Providence was good because we had just enough time to take cover. As we left, we prayed that the storm that continued to rumble would not prevent us from walking in the forest. During the walk, two hikers we met on the way stopped to offer us a donation of 50 francs for our pilgrimage. We repay them in prayer what they have given us so generously.”



One day in the early evening, the Oblates are looking for their campsite… untraceable. After making inquiries, they discover that it is 40 km away! A solution is to be found. The next day’s refuge is free that evening, but it is 9km away and it climbs. The owner agrees to come and pick them up.
“But on the road while we were walking a big car stopped, it was Denis whom we had asked with his wife for information on this unknown campsite and who took pity on us. He finally transported us to the Ordons refuge. This gentleman was providential in his kindness and delicacy. He had merit because we found ourselves on an improbable path. Since yesterday evening, we have been settled in a magnificent refuge and we are now enjoying a day of rest. Everything is grace! “
The arrival
Before arriving at the house in Soyhières, the pilgrims took a last break:
“We walked at a good pace in the paths and the very slippery forests due to the storms to be on time, at the Vorbourg mass, believing that it was at 3 p.m. when it was only at 3:30 p.m. We were happy to see our Sisters again in the chapel of Vorbourg. “
