Lourdes 2015 Day 5 & 6

It rained in the morning, but this was no burden at all compared to the challenges Christ faced during the Passion; the pilgrims donned ponchos to view the 'low' Stations of the Cross (flat stations made for accessibility).

Mass in the Rosary Basilica is always special, not least because its golden mosaiced walls and ornaments are a welcome change from the concrete of the majority of the Sanctuaire. This chapel is the first of three incorporated into one huge building that resembles the Disney palace. 

Torchlight procession must be the finest way to end a day in Lourdes. For a lot of pilgrims, this is the reason they make the journey. It is deeply prayerful, achingly pretty and a reminder of the power of the catholic faith.

Yesterday was our day off, but it was more like a day on. In the morning we took a short coach ride to Bartres, where Bernadette lived for a while in her youth. Mass was said on a playground (the roundabout acting as an altar) and followed by intense games of football and rounders.

Back in Lourdes, we did our reconciliation with a twist. Whereas we usually stick with one venue, we did the service in stations, starting at the hotel and working our way through the domain. As we went to confession, the rest of the group sang hymns old and new; Mary Norris' influence gave the evening a vintage feel. It was a joyful occasion, to celebrate the joyful sacrament of reconciliation.