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Greetings from Lourdes!
“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” — John 15:11
Our first full day began with breakfast at our hotels, followed by morning prayer led by Rev. Joseph Cavoto, ChM. The room was packed—proof that starting the day together in prayer is the best cure for jet lag.
Each year, members lovingly knit and crochet prayer shawls from their homes, praying the Rosary over every stitch. The program was originally begun by Susan LoPiccolo, DM, of our South West Connecticut Area. On Thursday, these shawls were distributed to each malade in Lourdes as a tangible sign of the love and prayer that will continue to wrap around them throughout their pilgrimage and beyond.
After breakfast, we met with our teams for the week to get oriented, learn how the pilgrimage will work, and (of course) collect team-color swag: candy, bracelets, travel cups, and plenty of smiles. Although we had a bit of rain this morning, the sun came out and we were treated to a beautiful mid-morning rainbow. Then, for the first time as teams, we made our way to St. Joseph’s Chapel for Spiritual Orientation with Rev. Joseph Johnson, ChM.
We ended the day with the Tri-Association Opening Mass in the beautiful Rosary Basilica alongside the Federal and Western Associations, celebrated by the Federal Association’s Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. Afterwards, we returned to the hotels for a reception and dinner—another bright, sunny Lourdes evening spent with new friends and grateful hearts.
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us!
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