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My favorite photo of the Lourdes Basilica, after searching for the perfect angle. |
My pilgrimage to
Lourdes this week could not have come at a better date. After the horrific
murders in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, the turmoil going on in Hong Kong,
and ongoing conflicts in several African and Middle Eastern countries, one
would think that peace and harmony are far from being realized. But once you enter that gate and start to mingle
with the people, behold the magnificent basilica and see the dedicated
volunteers wheeling the sick through the sacred space of Lourdes, you would instantly
sense that you are probably the closest you’ll ever get to heaven.
Being the main
celebrant at a Mass in Maltese yesterday morning at 6 AM at the Grotto where
Mary appeared in 1858 to Bernardette Soubirous, then concelebrating with more
than 150 priests and 12 bishops at the International Mass, celebrating two
other intimate Masses with the group I was leading, then praying the Stations
of the Cross at 3 PM on Friday, saying the Diocesan Rosary together, these and
the camaraderie we all enjoyed made for an excellent trip with 35 Maltese,
besides over a hundred other Maltese natives with different groups. But there
must have been 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims in all.
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During the procession aux flambeaux |
It was a holy
experience for me personally, my second visit to Lourdes, and my first day off
since I returned from the USA over 3 years ago. Seeing the strong faith of the
people, the energy of the youth volunteering and praying with their chaperones,
mingling with many other priests, monks, and nuns, visiting and browsing through
the various religious stores – all features which makes you realize how strong
the faith still is. Presuming that 99% of the visitors were Catholic, it felt
like we were speaking the same language, the language of devotion and love.
Even during the procession aux flambeaux, hearing the Hail Mary recited in so
many languages, we all responded with our own language but felt united with
Mary and with each other, as we raised our candles and sang joyfully, Ave, Ave,
Ave Maria. Obviously, I came back with a few photos, 633 of them, which I will
share with you over the next few weeks.
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The Rosary chapel under the main Basilica |
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