After publishing the results of the General Estates on Religious Heritage project, French bishops are navigating the restoration of historic churches.

Their goal is not only to preserve crumbling architectural gems but also to draw people closer to faith.

From major cities like Marseille to small towns in Normandy, communities are celebrating the revival of their local Catholic heritage. These restorations mark a significant shift in attitudes toward preserving religious history.

On 2 February, a major construction project began in Marseille, focusing on restoring the towering statue of the Virgin Mary atop the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. Standing over 12 yards high and gilded in gold leaf, this iconic figure overlooks the Mediterranean and attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Pope Francis himself highlighted its importance during his visit in September 2023.

Under France’s 1905 law separating church and state, churches are state-owned, with the church as their assignee. However, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde is an exception, owned by the archdiocese.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille launched a campaign in 2024 to finance the statue’s restoration. With an estimated $2.6 million needed to renew the gilding, donations poured in, allowing work to begin while funds continue to be raised.

In Normandy, residents of Saint-Biez-en-Belin celebrated their church’s reopening on 1 March after restoration efforts led by the municipality. The joy of reclaiming their place of worship underscores the deep connection many feel toward these historic sites.

For French bishops, ensuring churches remain free of charge is a priority. Ahead of Notre Dame Cathedral’s much-anticipated December reopening, France’s culture minister suggested an entrance fee. The Archdiocese of Paris immediately rejected the idea.

“A church is a living place where a community of the faithful gathers,” Bishop Alain Planet emphasized. “Turning them into ‘the largest museums in France’ would not reflect their true purpose.”

Beyond buildings, the bishops’ survey examined France’s intangible religious heritage—traditions such as processions, fraternal organizations, and religious festivals, which have seen renewed interest in recent years.

One example is the return of harvest festivals, where prayers for abundant crops are offered. Once forgotten, these traditions are regaining relevance amid rural hardships and growing concerns over climate change.

“Sometimes it is simply a kind of ‘folklorization’ of past religious practices,” Bishop Planet admitted. “But it is also a way of drawing from the past to express faith in ways that resonate today.”

Pilgrimage routes are also experiencing a revival. The Tro Breiz, often called “Brittany’s Santiago de Compostela,” was forgotten for centuries before being revived in 1994. Originally promoted as a cultural and tourist route, its resurgence has led to renewed Christian pilgrimages.

Similarly, France’s routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain saw only a few hundred pilgrims in the 1980s. Today, over 32,576 pilgrims depart annually from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, while a total of 10,000 French pilgrims complete the Camino each year.

New pilgrimage paths have also been created, such as the Via Ligeria along the Loire, famous for its Renaissance castles. It connects western France to the Via Francigena, an ancient route to Rome that has been restored in recent years.

Bishop Planet oversaw the General Estates on Religious Heritage, a project launched on 12 September 2023 and completed in December 2024. Its goal was to collaborate with public authorities to preserve this priceless heritage. The findings, published in January, reveal significant trends.

“They highlighted France’s urbanization shift,” Bishop Planet explained. “Most of the population now lives in cities, leading to new churches in urban areas while many rural churches close. Mayors struggle between preserving their town’s only historic landmark and managing its financial burden.”

To address these challenges, the survey produced two key documents: a guide on religious heritage patronage to assist in financing renovations and a model agreement with the Ministry of the Interior outlining “new use” options for churches. These agreements help municipalities fund restorations while keeping churches functional.

“These additions are compatible with Catholic worship,” Bishop Planet noted. “Some churches already host activities such as concerts, organ classes, and services for the disadvantaged.”

The resurgence of interest in religious heritage is having a deeper impact. In 2024, a record 12,000 adults and adolescents were baptized in France on Easter. Many cited their exposure to France’s rich religious history as a key influence in their faith journey.

Bishop Planet sees a significant cultural shift. “The love for religious heritage is deeply rooted in the popular consciousness,” he concluded. “These places foster community and connection. Sometimes, they even open the door to faith.”

• Caroline de Sury. First published in The Catholic Weekly. Republished with permission.