Member Log InBooks have been written about Lourdes. Getting this into 1000 words or less will be a challenge.
Our Lady appeared to Marie-Bernard (St. Bernadette) Soubirous eighteen times between 11 February and 16 July 1858 in an out-of-the-way cavern (or grotto) known locally as "Massabielle," an unclean place of rather ill repute. Bernadette, the oldest of 9 Soubirous children in a destitute family, had gone there the first time with her sister and a friend to gather sticks for the family's cooking fire and to sell for a meager contribution to the family's welfare. Bernadette alone saw Our Lady; her companions did not. After the ecstasy, she was nearly carried back to the the Soubirous shanty, a former prison cell that was declared unfit for
prisoners. It was in the 16th apparition, on the Feast of the Assumption, 25 March 1858, that Our Lady introduced herself saying, "I am the Immaculate Conception." Read about all the apparitions here. The grotto appears to the left, with a statue of Our Lady sitting precisely where she appeared to Bernadette. I stood at the marker where Bernadette knelt (right). "The spot where Bernadette knelt on 11 February 1858"
The peacefulness of Lourdes is unsurpassed in my travel experiences, a quiet, rich peace that pervades the sanctuary (the term used to describe the grounds of the Basilica, the Grotto, and the guest housing) and the soul, as well.
Juni is a spry two-year-old who traveled with her parents, Aaron and Brittany. She quickly became my biggest fan on the trip and I became determined to get her to sit on my lap. Fait accompli on day 5, Thursday, at dinner! Juni literally climbed onto my lap without beckoning. Either weary of my persistence or simply buoyed by her ever-growing courage in the new surroundings (likely the latter!) she was instantly comfortable on this old boy's lap and I cherished the moments just as I do with my own granddaughters (and grandsons!) Juni is afflicted with a particularly malignant form of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome. Her parents are masters of her management. Their expert care of their daughter was infused with love and patience as they nurtured a beautiful, innocent soul that brightened one's every encounter with her. Her dark glasses were a necessity as bright light (and it was everywhere!) was apt to trigger a seizure, a condition known as "photosensitivity." Being around Juni and her parents simply brightened each day.
The medical team was comprised of nurses, two counselors, two EMTs, a priest chaplain
, and five physicians. Together we were charged with knowing the pilgrims and their medical histories, monitoring their activities and participation, checking in with any pilgrims absent from activities for any reason, serving as counsel in addressing questions and concerns, conducting "office hours" in a makeshift clinic at the hospitality house, and being on call during the night time hours for any emergencies. The group traveled exceptionally well; we were blessed with minimal concerns during our time together.
Tony's wife and daughter traveled in wheelchairs. Daughter, Juliana, was born with a chromosomal abnormality that resulted in a developmental disability. Wife, Doreen, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Both were able to walk, but used wheelchairs for longer distances and for navigating airports. A poignant moment occurred on Thursday evening (day 5) at the group's impromptu talent show. Juliana sang a song karaoke style and completed her performance with a huge smile and received a standing ovation from her fellow travelers. It was awesome!
I learned about the opportunity to accompany this group at the 2022 Annual Educational Conference of the Catholic Medical Association, held in Denver, CO, last September. I attended that conference in part because I wanted to experience the educational aspect of the conference and in part because our son, then-Deacon Timothy, was in his last year of seminary in Denver, and it seemed a good opportunity to spend some time with him, as well. At the conference, I spied a table on which were brochures from an organization known as Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality/North American Volunteers (or "Lourdes Volunteers" as I have come to know them) and I stuffed a brochure in my backpack for later scrutiny. It was several weeks later when I discovered the brochure and was prompted to make a call.
A nightly event at Lourdes is the candlelight Rosary Procession, attended regularly by thousands. Our pilgrimage led the
procession on Wednesday evening. At the fourth apparition, Bernadette carried a candle to the grotto, initiating the now 165+ year tradition of processing with candles. In the photo at right, snapped from my perch high above the crowd (I was asked to carry the organization's banner at the head of the procession), the crowd is assembled in the large esplanade of the Sanctuary, quietly reciting the Rosary, each responding in their own language to the leaders who each recited invocations in his native tongue, a total of 5 different languages. The observer can see plainly people seated in a line of wheelchairs at the front of the crowd. These were our peeps, braving a grey, damp Wednesday evening in joining the Rosary Procession. They are a hearty bunch! The two gentlemen on the steps in front of me were part of a large contingent from Croatia. We managed to achieve a basic understanding of countries of origin!
The Catholic Church has declared seventy (70) miracle healings at Lourdes since Our Lady's appearances in 1858. Thousands more "everyday miracles" have occurred at the shrine. The foundress of Lourdes Volunteers, Marlene Watkins, has published a book "Everyday Miracles of Lourdes," a work I enthusiastically recommend. You can find it on Amazon.com if not at your favorite local bookstore.
It will take months, if not years, for me to unpack all that occurred in the wondrous week at Lourdes. Suffice it to say, my vocational call to holiness was nurtured by the witness of courageous pilgrims and volunteers who traveled together in the experience. Watching grace in action, my soul was lifted. The whole week was about giving. To the multitude on the mountainside, Jesus said, "Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Luke 6:38) Rare is the opportunity to see this truth lived by so many, so readily. In my vocation as husband and father, I was inspired by those around me as I observed the love and compassion of the fathers (and mothers!) in the group as they tended to the needs of their spouses and/or family members.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Photos of Tony and his family and Juni are used with Tony's permission and permission of Juni's parents.
