It was our last day at Lourdes, and we would begin our day with Mass. It was to be celebrated at the Grotto. My heart was singing: another opportunity to stand in the place where Our Lady and St. Bernadette stood. I had gathered all of my prayer intentions, as well as those of family and friends and would place them in the box at the grotto to be lifted up in prayer.
When we arrived, I headed to the grotto area to once again, to run my hands along that blessed rock, to drink it all in and sear into my memory this wonderful experience. I placed the petitions in the box and longed to linger in the roped grotto area, but others were behind me, wanting to do the same.
As I turned to leave, my husband was trying to get my attention. They were looking for someone to lector and he had volunteered. It then occurred to him, that although he’d enjoy it, I would be exhilarated by proclaiming God’s Word in that sacred place. They had given him the lectionary to bring up to the sanctuary which was in the grotto area. He instead was handing it over to me and I was thrilled!
I couldn’t hide my delight: a smile came across my face and I felt like I would levitate! Because I was the lector, my place was in the sanctuary until after the Gospel, when I’d join Jonathan and the rest of the congregation. I wanted to do my best and tried to compose myself by going over the readings. Because we were at the shrine, we were allowed to do the readings from the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. I couldn’t believe my eyes! The Gospel from St. John: the wedding feast of Cana. Here was another kiss from not only Our Lord, but Our Lady! This was the Gospel that Jon and I had chosen for the Mass for our wedding anniversary. It was an affirmation that Jesus and Mary had called us to Lourdes. My smile grew as I sat there praising and thanking God for His goodness to us and asked that He answer the petitions we had brought, in the best way.
When Mass was over, we walked to the Basilica of the Holy Rosary. It is a ground level church and is filled with beautiful mosaics of the 15 mysteries of the rosary: the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious. On the outside of the basilica, mosaics of the Luminous mystery have been added. The mosaics are stunning! They walk the pilgrims through the life of Christ, and the detail is exquisite. My husband and I had our picture taken in front of the second luminous mystery: the wedding feast of Cana!
We then went to watch a short movie about Bernadette, her family and the apparitions. It was very insightful, and we learned things we had not known before. It was also good to sit and rest a bit, because next we were going to do the Stations of the Cross.
Our tour guide cautioned us that the “high” Way of the Cross was difficult: it was about a mile long and was almost one continuous steep climb. He assured us that we would take our time as we prayed each station, and it would be well worth our efforts.
We were going to do it. You know the saying, “when in Rome.’’ I hated to miss anything, and Jonathan agreed.
Our guide was correct: it was very challenging. But on the other hand, the beauty of the mountainside, the life-sized figures depicting Jesus’ suffering and love for us, along with the prayers for each station were not only beautiful, but captivating and heart felt. As we journeyed up the mountain, we came across the crucifix we had seen “dangling” in the sky, our first evening in Lourdes. We could not believe how high we were. I think at its peak height, we were about 500 feet above the ground of the sanctuary! It was quite a beautiful experience as well as an accomplishment. We were happy to have done it, but as the same time, glad when we were finished.
It was time for lunch. We walked about the quaint, colorful, and bustling town to look for a restaurant. Pilgrims filled the streets: all these people wanting to grow closer to God and Our Lady, advance in their faith, and seek the desires of their heart, and for some, obtain a miracle. It was intoxicating to observe and increased my hope for the future of the Church.
Jon and I discussed what we’d do next: We had a free afternoon. His hip was bothering him from the stress of walking the stations, so he needed to rest. I had wanted to do the official “washing ceremony” and he was not interested since we had done our private washing the day before.
We had become very friendly with two other pilgrims, and they invited me to join them. I had been waiting for this moment from the time my husband and I had planned our pilgrimage. We were unaware that the bath ceremony at Lourdes had been eliminated since covid. It was replaced with a “washing ceremony,” which consisted in being called forward by a volunteer who would lead you in the healing ritual.
After waiting about an hour, the three of us were called to enter the building where this would take place. We were guided in prayer before a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and then brought to a private area where the bathing used to take place. Our helper once again, led us in prayer and told us to ask Our Lady to intercede for the healing we wanted. She then poured the water over each of our hands individually, telling us to wash and then drink. It was concluded by pouring the water over our hands collectively, one on top of the other, while special prayers were recited. It was a very moving moment and one that I hold deep within my heart. I’m not sure how God healed me, but I know that I was changed in some way, as He saw best.
We wanted to bring water home from Lourdes to give to those in need. There was a long row of spigots where you could fill bottles with the miraculous water. I did so and parted with my dear friends to decide what to do next.
I noticed other pilgrims from our group and went to see what they were doing. They were on their way to a building where priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and asked if I wanted to join them. I was so excited to have the opportunity to go and confess my sins and to wash my soul as well!
I entered the building and was greeted by a volunteer who guided me to the area where there was an English-speaking priest. I had time to do a good examination of conscience while others received the sacrament.
The priest was just wonderful! There were some burdens I had been carrying for some time and this gave me the opportunity to confess them all and be delivered from sins. As I confessed my sins, tears of healing ran down my face. I had just washed myself physically, and now I was cleansed spiritually. Father gave me my penance and I was escorted to a private place to pray. I was so very grateful for this wonderful sacrament that Jesus left to us on that first Easter evening. As I prayed my penance, joy filled my soul, and I was at peace.
As I walked back to our hotel, my spirit soared! So many blessings, so many gifts, so many wonderful memories to cherish. This was our last day in Lourdes and Rome was our next destination.
I facetimed Sarah that evening. It was so good to see her face and talk with her. She and her husband had been to Lourdes many years prior, and she was excited to speak to us about our experience. She sounded good and I felt encouraged by her enthusiasm. I told her I had carried her to all of our holy sites and had the people on our pilgrimage, doing the same. She was pleased and suggested we get to bed early since we had to leave for the airport at 3:45 A.M. I agreed and got off to pack so we would be ready for the last leg of our pilgrimage: Rome, the crown jewel of our trip!
You must have been in a constant state of awe between the beauty & the blessings!
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