Testifying in public for this special broadcast:
- Joel Baud-Grassetvice-president of the Departmental Council of Haute-Savoie, president of the Council of Architecture, Urban Planning and Environment… and farmer! His family farm is located in Vallée Verte, between 1000 and 1300 meters above sea level: the “cow mountain”! Joël shares with humor but without concessions the challenges of the Savoyard mountains today: living to the rhythm of climate change, reconciling different uses and raising awareness among tourists and new residents of the “mountain code”. Joël Baud-Grasset is Catholic, he also talks about his actions to share the mountain spiritual heritage with as many people as possible.
- Patrick Gabarroumountain guide, mountaineer, author of more than 300 first ascents in the Alps and around the world. He recounts strong experiences of brotherhood lived in the high mountains, where we are roped “from life to death”. A believer, a volunteer during pilgrimages from the diocese of Annecy to Lourdes, he also makes the link between the mountain “which lifts our gaze and makes us humble” and his Christian spirituality.
- Delphine Thibergienmember of the La Flatière charity home (1400 meters above sea level, facing the Mont-Blanc massif). Originally from Lille, Delphine doesn't have mountain roots! But she learned to love the grandiose landscape that is offered to all the members of the Home and the retreatants. Many people come to experience a spiritual retreat at the Foyer after typing “silence – mountain” on the Internet. Delphine tells us about the experience offered to them, in this context, to meet themselves and experience an encounter with Jesus.
- Michel and Aurélie Veisy: Michel founded Samoëns Handiglisse. His daughter Aurélie has chaired the association for 3 years. A structure which allows disabled people to access the mountain, summer and winter, thanks to the loan of adapted chairs. Michel has also accompanied treks for disabled people in Nepal. They tell us how solidarity developed, in their village and in the stations, to help the association evolve. And how this commitment has changed their love of the mountains and their view of disability.
The congress of the association of Francophone Hospitality Presidents, framework for this exchange:
Three hundred hospital workers from across the French-speaking world met in Annecy from October 24 to 27, 2024. The Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes of the diocese of Annecy hosted this edition of the congress of the Association of Presidents of Francophone Hospitalities. These associations, by managing pilgrims who serve the sick, allow thousands of people to experience a pilgrimage to Lourdes, in conditions adapted to their health or disability.
During this congress, the presidents of the associations and the members of their teams discussed their realities and issues. They also discovered the city of Annecy, the figure of François de Sales and, with this round table, mountain realities!
