As I left International Airport for Paris and ultimately Lourdes, I took the deep faith that Mary and her Son would be with me, enabling me to communicate even though my knowledge of French was extremely limited. While definitely this was at times a hindrance, the experience was nonetheless overwhelming at times. The opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with English-speaking people from throughout the world was life-changing for me and many penitents said for them – as they assured me of their prayers for my ministry at Notre Dame. As I put the prayer intentions of hundreds of parishioners and friends at the grotto, I felt confident that Jesus and Mary were taking each expression of gratitude and prayerful request to their loving hearts. Being able to celebrate Mass with two hundred pilgrims from England at the grotto strengthened this confidence.
The daily liturgies at Sts. Cosmos and Damien Chapel for all the English-speaking priests and pilgrims as well as the opportunity to make the Jubilee way from the church of Bernadette’s baptism, to the small converted prison cell in which her family lived, to the place of the apparitions and then to the convent where she received her First Communion made her blessed yet difficult life present to me. In addition, the Stations of the Cross through the hill above the Sanctuary where life-size statues made the events present were inspiring.
Lourdes receives those seeking both physical as well as spiritual healing and adequate provisions are made for both types of pilgrims. The fact that the entire complex with the four major church buildings as well as many chapels is called the Sanctuary and is free of all commercial concerns makes it a true place of peace. The afternoon procession of the sick and the Blessed Sacrament to the underground Church of St. Pius X where adoration and blessing of the sick takes place enabled me to focus on the many illnesses present in the world and the faith which overcomes all evil. Usually there was a quiet time from the celebration of reconciliation which enabled me to see the procession as it passed by.
In addition to this and the evening procession with thousands of lighted candles, each town or country had processions.
As I look back on this memorable experience, I am extremely grateful for the experience and for the evident awareness of all that Bernadette leads all to Mary, the Immaculate Conception who leads all to her Son and our brother, Jesus the Christ.