Take time to reconnect with God through these spiritual activity offerings in France: discovering sacred art, online retreats... in 2024, no summer vacation without God!

How to take God with you in your suitcase?
Not everyone goes on vacation. We've all told a friend at least once in our lives: “I would take you with me in my suitcase...” But that friend might stay by the roadside and watch us leave.
Let's transpose this to God who is our friend. Does it occur to us to ask ourselves whether we're taking Him or not? How will He fit in a suitcase? Why?
“The word of God is not something we take to the end of the world in a briefcase: we carry it within us, we take it within us. We don't put it in a corner of ourselves, in our memory like on a shelf where we have stored it. We let it go deep inside us, to that hinge where all of us turns.” (Madeleine Delbrel)
On vacation, is God possible? Not to put God on vacation! But where will we find God on vacation? Somewhere in a sublime landscape and, amazed, we exclaim “wow!”. And touched to the heart by so much beauty, we feel very small. “Before this immensity, Lord, make us understand that we are small and that we need you.” (Jules Laforgue)
God, what do we do to reveal Him in an encounter? Vacations are often an opportunity to meet people we won't see again. Isn't it the perfect opportunity to share our faith? Rediscovering the taste for simple, free, and loving exchanges. This free time during vacations with more flexible schedules allows us a more relaxed inner breath, making us available to ourselves and to God. Finding a suitable place for prayer, perhaps in a church or chapel, allowing us to settle down and make ourselves available to God.

Let's not put God on vacation!

Pascale de Barochez
Mission Officer for the Pastoral Care of Tourism and Leisure