At the Heart of the Charism: Aix Experience 2026

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At the Heart of the Charism: Aix Experience 2026

Welcome to the Aix Experience 2026 Blog!

From March 9–19, 2026, twelve pilgrims from across Canada will journey to Aix-en-Provence to follow in the footsteps of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and to deepen their understanding of his charism. We warmly invite you to join us in prayer and to follow along as we share daily reflections, stories, and photos from this sacred pilgrimage.

Pilgrims taking part in this journey:

Paolo Siraco (Ontario)
Renee Siraco (Ontario)
Arnold Francis (Ontario)
Mark Lich (Saskatchewan)
Matt Sherry (Saskatchewan)
Cathy Holden Saretsky (Alberta)
Greg Saretsky (Alberta)
Joanne Friedt (Alberta)
Dan Friedt (Alberta)
Michael Dechant, OMI (British Columbia)
David Sax (British Columbia)
Karen Sax (British Columbia)

A snapshot of our itinerary:

  • Day 1 – March 09, Monday:  Arrival in Aix at the Maison de Fondation des Missionaires Oblats,  60 Cours Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence.
  • Day 2 – March 10, Tuesday:  Mass at Mission Church; Program Introduction; guided tour of the Oblate Foundation House.
  • Day 3 – March 11, Wednesday:  Guided walking tour of de Mazenod and Oblate-related sites in Aix, including Eugene’s boyhood home, hi grandmother Joannis’ home, the Church of the Madeleine, the prison where Eugene ministered, and the Funerary Chapel of the de Mazenod family and many early Oblates.
  • Day 4 – March 12, Thursday:  Free day in Aix and surrounding area. Options include Cézanne’s studio and Mount St. Victoire.
  • Day 5 – March 13, Friday:  Bus to Marseille: guided tour of Oblate sites, including Marseilles Cathedral and St. Eugene’s tomb, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, and St. Eugene’s Bishop’s residence.  Mass at St. Eugene’s tomb.
  • Day 6 – March 14, Saturday:  Visits to the first missions at Grand and Fuveau; visit to Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, where the St. Eugene wrote the Rule.
  • Day 7 – March 15, Sunday:  Aix Oblate Community Mass (11:00am) and free day.
  • Day 8 – March 16, Monday:  Trip to Notre Dame de Lumière, Sénanque (site of the first mission, Oblate Shrine in surrounding Aix area, etc.) and Avignon:
  • Day 9 – March 17, Tuesday:  Free day: Aix markets and local exploration.
  • Day 10 – March 18, Wednesday:  Program continuation and reflections; free time in Aix; evening banquet and celebration.
  • Day 11 – March 19, Thursday:  Departure from Aix.

Each day, one of our pilgrims will share reflections on their experiences, accompanied by stories and photos. We are especially grateful to Fr. Bonga Thami, OMI, for guiding this pilgrimage, and to Fr. Paolo Archiati, OMI, Superior of the Aix Foundation House Community, for his warm welcome and hospitality. We hope these reflections will inspire your spirit and help you know our founder, St. Eugene, more deeply.

Please NOTE:  Daily updates will be available on the Associates Update page,  and you can follow the journey daily using this link: OMI Lacombe Canada – Oblate Associates – Updates