The project gradually took shape thanks to Pierre-André Léchot, head of JC2033 in French-speaking Switzerland. It was inspired by his personal journey, his passion for imagery and communication, and his extensive hiking experience, including having traversed Switzerland on foot twice.
To date, 10 Paths of Hope have been established in French-speaking Switzerland for Easter 2026. These are loop trails ranging from 4 to 6 kilometers with 14 stations. The goal is to foster a time of meditation centered on the work of Jesus Christ, while enjoying a walk that rejuvenates both soul and body.
The route set up in Neuchâtel was used on Easter Sunday, very early in the morning, before sunrise, combined with the hymn “To You Be the Glory, O Risen One.”
Each route offers images and texts on your cell phone:
- A photo of each station and a map to guide you from one station to the next
- One of the seven petitions of the “Our Father” prayer and, alternately, one of the seven “I am” sayings of Jesus in the Gospel
- A prayer to the Risen One, taken from Martin Hoegger’s book
- A depiction of a station from the traditional Way of the Cross
- A word of blessing
The routes are designed to be simple, authentic, and accessible to all. For example, in Burtigny (starting from the “Youth With A Mission” building), texts in English are provided.
It is possible to further enrich and diversify the elements for each route.
The website jc2033romandie presents the first 10 routes that exist in Switzerland. It also offers a guide for setting up other Paths of Hope in any location.
Pierre-André Léchot is happy to provide information to help expand these opportunities for walks that encourage faith.
Would you like to discover or create a Path of Hope?
Discover a Path of Hope near you
