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Greetings from Lourdes!
“Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” John 14:23
With today being the second to last full day of events, we were sure to take it all in. Day 5 in Lourdes 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. Philip-Michael Tangorra, ChC. Following morning prayers, the Lourdes Pilgrimage Leadership team meets 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.
Pilgrims then enjoy a selection of croissants, baguettes, meats, and cheeses for breakfast while 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.
After a breakfast that offered French coffee, we loaded our voitures with umbrellas, ponchos, and water and attended the International Mass in St. Pius X Basilica, the largest church in the Sanctuary known to many as the "Underground Basilica". Mass was led by Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, Cardinalis Patronus of the Order of Malta. This church, which can hold more than 25,000 people, was filled with a sea of robes, capes, and blue voitures. While many of us were at the Underground Basilica, a small contingent of pilgrims consisting of children and young adult Malades, their caregivers, and pod members gathered at the Hotel Alba for a special Mass, led by Rev. Ian Jeremiah, ChM, followed by a picnic on the front lawn, and trip to the Fort, a historic castle in Lourdes. At the end of Mass, we celebrated the birthday of one of our young malades, who was gifted an Order of Malta beret.
Following lunch, pilgrims enjoyed several hours of free time before the next event. This afternoon is usually reserved for a quick snooze, a phone call back home, a trip to the Grotto to pray or collect Holy Lourdes Water, and even a look around the local shops for souvenirs. During this time, pilgrims were also welcome to attend the Footsteps of Bernadette Tour, visit with a Chaplain in one of the hotel chapels, attend the Tri-Association Reception, or Benediction in the Hotel Alba's Chapel. Members of the First and Second Class attended the Subpriory Mass at the Notre Dame des Douleurs Chapel, Accueil Marie Saint-Frai.
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". It was truly an enjoyable night, singing at the top of our lungs alongside our fellow pilgrims, our beloved Malades and Caregivers, and even our Chaplains!
Be sure to click on the red button at the top of this email to view today’s photo gallery. We also encourage you to click on the blue button to watch our gallery of videos that highlight the beauty of our Lourdes Pilgrimage.
As always, you can click here to visit our website for all of the 2024 Lourdes Pilgrimage content, including these updates, photo and video galleries, a recording of the Grotto Mass, a livestream of the Grotto, chaplain reflections, and more.
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes,
Pray for Us!
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