Lourdes 2015 - Day 2

On the approach to Lourdes, after the dark emptiness of the French motorways, the spectacular skyline of the Pyrenees came into view. Fr. Sean reminded us to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Equally beautiful is Lourdes this small pilgrimage town nestled among these stunning hills, and the pilgrims that visit it. 

After arrival at our beloved St. Jean Baptiste hotel, Sean took us on his magical mystery tour of the town, stopping at the Parish Church where Bernadette was baptised, Le Cachot (the previous residence of St. Bernadette Soubirous), the fort, the Soubirous family grave and the newly renovated Grotto. It's important for us to get a sense of our surroundings, so we can track the path of Bernadette to the site of the apparitions.

With aching bodies, we trudged over the river to the welcome mass. It was led by the archbishop, who stressed the importance of abiding by God's law, thinking of others first and accepting the mission. Each coach was given a Tom Cruise style 'Mission Impossible' case (cleverly disguised as box file) with tasks for the week ahead. 

This week, one of the main missions we have to complete is helping the elderly and infirm. Group 2's night prayer prepared us for this. They focussed on love, family and unity, and explained through stories and poems the importance of compassion and unconditional love. During today's first encounters with vulnerable pilgrims, we must see how God works through them. As Group 2 taught us, we need to use love to enrich their Lourdes experience: