Last night we were pleased to welcome Bishop John and Father Steven safely to Lourdes after a long and tiring journey from Krakow. This morning Bishop John was straight into the pilgrimage by celebrating our special Mass of Mercy. This year the Sanctuaries of Lourdes have requested that each pilgrimage visiting Lourdes in this Holy Year of Mercy wash the feet of a group of their pilgrims to signify the Mercy of God. During our Mass 12 pilgrims from each different area of our family had their feet washed by Bishop John who just before this, in his homily, spoke of his time in Krakow and echoed Pope Francis’ call for young people to put down their phones and video games and to make history, positive history and change for our world which at this time is very much in need of help. Our young pilgrims were called to be part of that change and to make their contribution to history.
Bishop John washes the feet of our pilgrims.
The weather here in Lourdes today has returned to beautiful sunshine and with it intense heat. this afternoon we made our passage through the Grotto as a whole pilgrimage with umbrellas for shade and plenty of water available to ensure our pilgrims were protected from the heat. This was quite a spectacle as our large Salford Pilgrimage banner was carried proudly to the step of the alter and placed front and centre whilst our pilgrims passed through, to be greeted by Bishop John upon their exit from the Grotto.
Our pilgrims gather to pass through the Grotto
Our volunteers did a fantastic job of looking after pilgrims in the intense heat
Pilgrims pass through the Grotto
Directly after the passage through the Grotto our accueil pilgrims made their way over the river to the lower Stations of the Cross. These are beautiful white marble statues standing over 8 feet tall and have been made very accessible for wheelchairs and pilgrims with mobility issues. Other pilgrims chose to take part in the upper stations which is a physically challenging way of the cross along a hillside overlooking the Sanctuary. The upper stations are life size portrayals of each Station, cast in bronze with the crucifix visible above the treeline from down in the Sanctuary.
Following the Stations our pilgrims took an opportunity to take on some refreshments and have a rest before preparing for our social evening for the whole pilgrimage which is taking place tonight in the Hotel Solitude. This is a wonderful occasion which is inclusive of every person on the pilgirmage. Our pilgrims and volunteers wear fancy dress and are provided with entertainment ranging from Irish Dancing to singing and music. It is a fantastic celebration of our blessed pilgrimage so far in Lourdes and a chance for pilgrims and volunteers to let their hair down after a busy week. Whilst there may be the odd sore head in the morning and sales of bottled water may take a sharp rise in the local shops, our volunteers never let us down and will be on hand for our Reconciliation Service which begins a busy day for us tomorrow.
The inscription of the words Our Lady spoke to Bernadette:
'I am the Immaculate Conception.'
We will continue to keep you all in our prayers here and rest assured that Our Lady will intercede for your intentions.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.
Stay with us, Lord, on our journey.
