Day 6 - Miracles

In amongst all the fun we have together on Coach 4, and around Lourdes, our contact with the pilgrims is by far the most rewarding part of the week. The stories you hear can be emotional, inspiring, or hilarious. Today we had some time to spend with the pilgrims taking them to the baths, or (for the over 18's) esplanade duty. 

The days certainly are non-stop. The overs only had 15 minutes to eat lunch before running down to the St Frai for afternoon duty with the pilgrims. No one minds making little sacrifices -like missing dessert- because the rewards for helping with the pilgrims are so great.

I heard an amazing story that a genuine cure had taken place in the baths to a pilgrim called Keith. He came to Lourdes unable to move with ease because of illness. But he stood up out of the holy baths, and I've seen with my own eyes him walking to give me a hug. His story is so wonderful, but he said whatever happened to him doesn't matter. It's a miracle but he said the best thing this week has been the youth. The yellow t-shirts made his week.

What happened to Keith is astounding. You couldn't talk to him without getting shivers down your spine. But he appreciates the little miracles of the week; the fact we are all helping each other, putting smiles on faces. In every pilgrims lives that we have touched, and in every way they touch you shows that Lourdes truly is a place of miracles.