Lourdes blog 2008

Hello everyone and welcome to Lourdes. I am sorry that there has not been a blog for a few weeks, but the truth is that Lourdes has been fairly quiet and I am sure you would not want to read about the weather. However all has changed and the feast is upon us. For people who know Lourdes well, even they are saying that they have never seen crowds such as there are here this weekend. Things started to happen on Thursday and Friday with the opening of hotels and shops that had lain dormant all winter. from Friday afternoon there was a tangible difference in the atmosphere on the streets.

We started the processions again on Friday evening with the Torchlight procession, it was quite small but last night it was much larger and it was a wonderful prayerful experience. People have come from all over the world to be here this weekend for what is a truly historic occasion. there was a televised mass from the Grotto this morning and tomorrow morning we will have an international Mass on the prarie opposite the Grotto. After the Mass we will commemorate the first apparition and we will pray the Angelus. For all of these events we have been blest so far with excellent weather, it does make such a difference.

As I walk through the town I notice many people are wearing the Jubilee Insignias to indicate thyta they have completed the Jubilee Way. The Jubilee Way seems to have really captured people’s immagination. For more information about it why do’nt you look at the web page.

As we continue with the feast please be assure dof all our prayers for you and know that you are all remembered at the Grotto, especially tomorrow.

With best wishes, Fr. Martin 

It is a beautiful day here in Lourdes after the intemperate we had at the weekend. The mountains are splendid and it is on days like this that one can truly appreciate God’s creation. One is moved to thank God for all his goodness to us and to be greartful for really important things in our lives. Lourdes can help us do that, a place where His mother appeared to Bernadette, one like us, to renew the message of his calling each one of us to live good lives. Bernadette was called out of obsurity to bring the Good News to the world. It was not easy at first but she was faithful to the task assigned to her. Perhaps we could learn something from her example during this time of Advent as we prepare to receive the Christ Child and then to share him with the world.

I may not be writing for a few days but until then, God Bless, Martin

Hello from Lourdes! Well the Jubilee Year has started and over the weekend we had some very beautiful celebrations. On Friday evening there was a Torchlight Marian Procession which started from the parish church and stopped at the Cachot on its way down to the Sanctuary. Thankfuly the weather was reasonably kind and everyone was able to participate in the procession. The procession finished up in the underground basilica of St. Pius X where we completed the rosary and announced the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Saturday morning witnessed the first International Mass of the Jubilee Year. Cardinal Ivan Dias presided and he was joined by 400 priests and  a very large congregation. It was a very prayerful experience and it truly drew people from all over the world. In his homily Cardinal Dias spoke about the need for each of us to take to heart the message of Lourdes and to be on guard for the things that threaten us. He went on to talk about the battle that is being waged in our world today between the forces of good and evil and reassured us that God will prevail.

On Saturday afternoon we had an outdoor Blessed Sacrament Procession.It started as usual from the podium opposite the Grotto and made its way to the Rosary Square. On arrival at the Square the pilgrims were able to watch on screen His Holiness deliver his address wishing us every blessing for the Jubilee Year. Bishop Perrier then led us in a Gospel meditation. During this time the new mosaics of the Mysteries of Light were unveiled.They are magnificent and I do believe that they will help pilgrims to mediate on the Gospels. They really have to be seen to be fully appreciated, they are quite stunning! The Blessed Sacrament was then exposed and we spent sometime in quiet adoration after which we received a blessing.

It was great to see so many people here over the weekend and already many pilgrims have completed the Jubilee Way.

In prayers, Martin 

well it is Thursday afternoon and the there is a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air today. Many people have arrived for the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the start of the Jubilee Year. As well as the opening of the Jubilee there is also the 2nd international meeting of Hospitaliers which has brought in people from all over the world, once again reminding us how international Lourdes is.

So far the weather is good and we are praying for it to continue for the weekend. The refurbishment of the sanctuary is moving along with the hope that everything will be ready for tomrrow evening, all the stops are being pulled out.

Tomorrow’s evening Torchlight Procession is expected to be very special as it will start from the old town before making it way to the sanctuary. Part of the procession tomorrow will take in the parish church and the |Cachot.

We will keep you all in our prayers, God bless, Fr. Martin