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Greetings from Lourdes!
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:12
Saturday's schedule of events included the Tri-Association Grotto Mass, Reflections, Eucharistic Procession and Adoration, and the First Time Pilgrim Medal Ceremony. Our day started with morning prayer led by Fr. Alex Nevitt, ChD.
The Tri-Association Grotto Mass, attended by members of the American, Federal, Western Association, and Spanish Associations was led by Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, ChC. The altar at the Grotto not only included Archbishop Vigneron, but chaplains from all four Associations in attendance. It was a beautiful way to honor this very Grotto, where Our Lady of Lourdes instructed St. Bernadette to build a chapel. "Go, drink of the waters and wash yourself there.” St. Bernadette was like an apostle bringing us a message of hope for all who come to Lourdes on Pilgrimage. You can click here to watch a recording of this Mass.
After Mass, pilgrims gathered together in front of the Rosary Basilica Steps for our annual group photo before breaking up into smaller groups for our pod and team photos throughout the sanctuary. These photos will be a long-lasting reminder of our time during this year’s pilgrimage.
We then headed back to our hotels for lunch before again breaking up into smaller groups for reflections. Many were asked what brought them to Lourdes and so many responded, "hope". Hope that they will experience some type of healing, whatever that might be. Our chaplains were also available to all pilgrims after reflections in each of the hotel chapels for further support.
Later that afternoon, we assembled outside of our hotels and headed back down to the sanctuary for the Eucharistic Procession, Adoration, and Benediction in the Rosary Plaza, which was led by the American Association. Most miracles in Lourdes happen at the Eucharistic Procession and Benediction. In the evening after dinner, Caregivers and Children and Young Adult Malades were treated to a night out, where they had the chance to unwind at a local restaurant or dessert shop.
At the same time, first time Knights, Dames, Candidates, Auxiliary, and Volunteers ended their evening attending the First Year Medal Ceremony at the St. Bernadette Chapel. In the years to come, they can now adorn this medal with small silver crosses, for one year, or gold crosses, for five years, to count each additional year they attend our Annual Lourdes Pilgrimage.
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us!
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