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Greetings from Lourdes!
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 5:5
Saturday brought a full and deeply meaningful day, including the Tri-Association Grotto Mass, reflections, the Eucharistic Procession and Adoration, and the First-Time Pilgrim Medal Ceremony. We began with morning prayer led by Rev. Philip-Michael Tangorra ChD, grounding the day in gratitude and hope.
The Tri-Association Grotto Mass brought together Tri-Association members and was celebrated by H.E. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, BGCHD, Archbishop Emeritus of New York. Joined by chaplains from all Associations, we gathered at the Grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette and invited pilgrims to go drink of the water and wash. It was a powerful reminder that Lourdes remains a wellspring of faith, healing, and hope for all who come on pilgrimage. (Watch the Mass here.)
Following Mass, pilgrims assembled on the steps of the Rosary Basilica for our annual group photo before breaking into pods and teams for photos throughout the Sanctuary. These images will serve as lasting reminders of this shared pilgrimage.
After returning to our hotels for lunch, we gathered in smaller groups for reflections. When asked what brought them to Lourdes, many answered with one word: hope. Hope for healing, peace, clarity, or renewal. Throughout the afternoon, our chaplains remained available in each hotel chapel, offering prayer and pastoral support.
Later in the day, we returned to the Sanctuary for the Eucharistic Procession, Adoration, and Benediction in the St. Plus X underground Basilica. In Lourdes, these sacred moments are often where hearts are most deeply moved and where grace is felt most profoundly.
In the evening, malades, caregivers, and young pilgrims were given a special opportunity to relax and enjoy time together during a night out, unwinding, connecting, and savoring a joyful pause amid a full and prayer-filled week.
At the same time, first-time Knights, Dames, Candidates, Auxiliary members, and Volunteers gathered at St. Bernadette Chapel for the First-Year Medal Ceremony. These medals mark the beginning of a lifelong connection to Lourdes and will be adorned in years to come with silver and gold crosses, celebrating continued service and return to this holy place.
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us!
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