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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
Thank God, it's Friday! Friday in Lourdes is a day that many of us look forward to each year when we can participate in some of the signature events of the Lourdes Pilgrimage – the Anointing Mass and the Candlelight Procession. A full day of activities, accompanied by cool and dry weather, led up to these two special moments.
After early morning prayer led by Msgr. Frank Caldwell, ChM, to a full house, breakfast, and leadership meetings, we assembled outside of our hotels to begin our walk to the St. Bernadette Chapel for Exposition, Morning of Recollection, the Rosary, and Confessions. Rev. Joseph Johnson, ChM, welcomed everyone. Rev. Pedro Bismarck Chau, ChD, led the Exposition, Very Rev. Brian Dellaert, ChM, led the Rosary, Very Rev. Enrique Salvo, ChM, led an inspiring conference, and all priests heard confessions. Although confession lines were long, pilgrims were comforted by the caring nature of the priests.
At the same time, our children malades and their caregivers stayed back at the hotel for a “Getting to Know You” style meeting before heading on the Footsteps of Bernadette Tour. Charioteers, accompanied by Rev. Ian Jeremiah, ChM, and Kristy Snyder, DM, leaders of the Children's Program, ushered our young malades throughout the town of Lourdes to highlight the life and legacy of Bernadette Soubirous.
Following the morning's activities and lunch, Malades, Caregivers, and those accompanying them headed back down to the Sanctuary for their reservations at The Baths. The new process of The Baths, which now includes a sprinkling of water instead of a plunge into the water, facilitated a kind and peaceful atmosphere where people went in without fear and left feeling an overwhelming sense of joy. This solemn gesture fulfills our Blessed Mother’s request to Bernadette, “Go drink and wash in the spring water”.
Those at The Baths met up with all other pilgrims for Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Kevin J. Sweeney, Anointing of the Sick, and the Distribution of Medals to Malades and Caregivers in the Notre Dame Chapel. Bishop Sweeney and Ken Craig, President of the American Association, distributed the medals. This afternoon's event was made extra special with the presence of our priests, bishops, archbishops, Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi, formal papal delegate, Msgr. Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, the Prelate, members of the Sovereign Council, and Frá John Dunlap, our Grand Master. The magnificence of the choir was accompanied by the babbling sounds of the river right outside the chapel.
We returned to the hotel for a reception and dinner until it was finally time to assemble for the long-awaited Candlelight Procession. Pilgrims joined thousands of others, including members of the Order of Malta from all over the world, in holding a candle, processing around the Sanctuary, and saying the Rosary. The view from above along the outside of the upper Basilica is always a stunning sight and it created a beautiful backdrop to commemorate the Order of Malta's 66th annual international pilgrimage and close out the 3rd day of our pilgrimage.
Be sure to view our photo and video galleries by clicking on the red and blue buttons at the top of this email. Today’s videos include "Why Do You Come to Lourdes" by Rev. Joseph Johnson and "Our 30th Pilgrimage to Lourdes" by Dr. Richard and Mrs. Dede Milone.
You can also click here to view everything we've been sharing from this pilgrimage, plus links to watch a livestream of the Grotto, submit a prayer petition, and read Fr. Johnson's reflection from yesterday's talk. The American Association's Tri-Association Mass at the Grotto will be livestreamed at 4 AM ET. When you visit the link above, click on Livestream to watch this Mass.
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes,
Pray for Us!
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