The Most Sacred Experience in Paris

A Night of Adoration at Sacré Cœur

I’m always just a little bit stumped when someone asks me what my favorite church in Paris is; not surprising because there are nearly 200 churches in Paris. Even though I’ve lived here for seven years I am constantly discovering my newest “favorite church” each week.

But when someone asks me for my opinion on the most sacred experience in Paris, which has come to be my most recent expertise as the Founder of Sacred Paris, I do not hesitate for a second…

“What matters is not the destination, but the yearning to go there.” - Phil Cousineau

I will never forget, and it never gets old, the first time I was sitting in Sacré Cœur for the 10pm Mass when the lights began to go out one-by-one at the end of the service. I was there to participate in the “Night of Adoration,” an all-night vigil that takes place in the basilica every single night.

The “Night of Adoration” in Paris is truly a hidden sacred experience, many people do not know about it, including lifetime Parisians.

Since 1885, the Basilica of Sacré Cœur has been home to an unbroken circle of prayer. Day and night, without pause, the Blessed Sacrament has been exposed on the altar, drawing pilgrims, seekers, and silent souls into its radiant presence. This continuous adoration was established as an act of reparation and devotion after the violence and upheaval of the Paris Commune, and it has quietly endured through wars, occupations, and the changing tides of time. What began as a solemn vow by a small group of faithful Parisians has become one of the longest uninterrupted prayer vigils in the world, a hidden heartbeat of Paris that still welcomes anyone, at any hour, to come and sit in stillness before the mystery - and heart of it all.

I was so moved by my very first experience that I vowed to participate as often as possible - this was one of the intimate sacred experiences I cultivated for myself as a pilgrim living in Paris before creating Sacred Paris. And when I started Sacred Paris I knew this would be one of the signature experiences that I would share with others.

“My work is loving the world…
which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.” - Mary Oliver

I host a small circle of women each month for a “Night of Adoration” at Sacré Cœur, and it has become one of my very favorite experiences that I guide in the city - and by far what I feel is THE most sacred experience in Paris.

In addition to this, I offer this night of vigil when I can to the guests that I guide on pilgrimage to the South of France - it is the very best way to drop into the sacred here in France before heading South into deeper energy. And, of course, I also guide guests privately when they visit and want to be held through this experience.

Last month, sometime between 4am and 5am I found myself in awe of a woman who was in a full body prayer in the middle of the aisle - in absolute awe of her devotion. And this isn’t uncommon, I’ve seen Boy Scouts, and whole families with young children. I’ve seen people of all ages, and lovers praying together - each night that I stay to add my prayers to this unbroken chain of 135 years I am met with divine love and magic.

And, each circle that I have the great honor of guiding is filled with sisters of all faiths, of all backgrounds, and most often sisters from all corners of the world. We come together as love, in prayer, at the very top of Paris for the most sacred experience in the city.

To join me for a “Night of Adoration,” you can find the monthly experience on the Sacred Paris Calendar here. To book this experience for yourself, or your small group please email me: patricia@sacredparis.com. I’m also happy to arrange this experience for your pilgrimage/retreat group that is passing through Paris.