Lourdes...a place so near and dear to my heart. A place, that just eleven years ago, I so intimately met Our Blessed Mother and encountered the presence of Christ in a profound way. Since Holy Week in 2006, I have been drawn to Lourdes four more times. Each time Our Lady and Her Son have made it abundantly clear why this small town in the Pyrénéens tugs at my heart in an indescribable way.
Sure, it is beautiful- breathtaking actually! The hills of the mountains envelop the town of Lourdes in a majestic sort of way, casting their light and shadows upon the small but bustling town. Yet, in the sanctuary of Lourdes, the peacefulness and quiet hush reign. The cacophony of prayers being prayed and sung in a variety of tongues from around the world unite to form a melodious worship of Jesus and give honor to His mother, Mary, and her yes- her yes to being the mother of Christ, our spiritual mother.
I recall the first time I entered the baths in Lourdes, greeted by the loving embrace of fellow volunteers from around the world, who had given of their time to continue to pass on the message of Our Lady of Lourdes and greet all pilgrims with that warm embrace that Our Lady greeted Saint Bernadette with in 1858. This message of love, of embrace, was one I vowed to continue to strive to pass on to those whom I meet, especially my spiritual children.
This time, my visit to Lourdes was different, though, than the previous ones. Rather than volunteering in the baths, I had the joy and privilege of sharing the message of Lourdes with those I most love- my fiancé and my spiritual children. Together, we followed what Mary asked of Saint Bernadette- that people pray for sinners, wash in the waters, and come in procession. We explored the sanctuary together, bathed in the waters of Lourdes, participated in the Rosary Procession, and received the sacrament of reconciliation. We relived a part of Saint Bernadette's life, as we traced her footsteps in the local town and visited the home she was born in and the house she lived in during the apparitions.
I had set out to create an experience of Lourdes for my fellow pilgrims, and in doing so, Our Lady drew me ever-closer to Her heart, and thus the heart of Her Son. As I experienced Lourdes anew, through the eyes of first time pilgrims, three of whom were children, I was once again drawn back to the heart of Our Lady and untied with her mission of drawing others to Her Son by being His disciple. Lourdes was, once again, a blessing and a gift to me and my fellow pilgrims.
As we return home this day, I am renewed in mission to spreading Her message and drawing others to Her Son, by learning from her about how to be a disciple of Christ. May she continue to lead us all ever-closer to Jesus. Amen
Our Lady of Lourdes...pray for us
Saint Bernadette...pray for us
Mary conceived without sin...pray for us who have recourse to thee!
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