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Greetings from Lourdes!
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With Sunday being the second to last full day of events, we were sure to take it all in. Sunday marks 5 days of starting every morning with morning prayers together in the Hotel Alba’s Bartres Room, with this morning's prayer led by Rev. John Maksym, ChD, and Most Reverend John Barres, ChC. Following morning prayers, the Lourdes Pilgrimage Leadership team meets every morning to discuss how yesterday went, what is planned for today, and any changes to the schedule and important information. They also address any questions, comments, or concerns that come up, always working to make sure our pilgrims are safe and able to enjoy the events of the pilgrimage.
While pilgrims enjoy their breakfast, the Medical Team gathers for a breakfast meeting to discuss the health status of the Malades and any concerns they may have. We are grateful to our Leadership Team and Medical Team working every day behind the scenes to make sure the pilgrimage runs smoothly.
We then assembled outside of our hotels and processed to the International Mass at St. Pius X Basilica, the largest church in the Sanctuary known to many as the "Underground Basilica". H.E. Frá John T. Dunlap, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, led us all in the Daily Prayer of the Order at the end of Mass. This church, which can hold more than 25,000 people, was filled with a sea of robes, capes, and blue voitures.
Unfortunately, the Children and Young Adult Malades outdoor program and Footsteps of Bernadette tour had to be cancelled due to heavy rains and lighting. But not before a sun filled afternoon in the grassy courtyard, where the children and young adult malades and many pilgrims participated in games, including a fascinating magic show put on by Jack McAuliffe, KM. After lunch, pilgrims were welcome to visit with a chaplain in one of the hotel chapels, attend the Subpriory Mass at St. Joseph's Chapel orchestrated by Amb. Peter McGuire, GCMOb, Regent of the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Benediction with Deacon Richard Murphy, ChDD, in the Hotel Alba's very full Chapel before our nightly reception and dinner.
Later in the evening after dinner, pilgrims met in the Hotel Alba's Lobby for the annual Sing-A-Long, complete with Maestro Mac Cooney, KM, on the piano. Everyone joined together in harmony for Sing-A-Long classics like Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama". When you sing, you pray twice. It was truly a wonderful event, singing at the top of our lungs alongside our fellow pilgrims, our beloved Malades and Caregivers, and even our Chaplains! After the Sing-A-Long, pilgrims were invited to wind down in the Hotel Alba's Bartres Room with a showing of the movie Bernadette.
"The Lourdes Pilgrimage experience has been unlike anything that has ever happened to my wife and me. The journey and the meaningful purpose of our faith is what truly matters in life; and, it has never been felt so deeply. I would encourage anyone looking to deepen their faith to attend a Lourdes Pilgrimage." - A First Time Pilgrim
Be sure to click on the red button at the top of this email to view today’s photo gallery. You can also click here to visit our website for all of the 2025 Lourdes Pilgrimage content, including these updates, photos and videos, a livestream of the Grotto, and a link to submit a prayer petition at the Grotto.
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us!
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