LIB'S LABYRINTH: ALT Travel: Lourdes

Thursday, June 20, 2013

ALT Travel: Lourdes

JUNE 18, 2013 TUESDAY FLOODING IN THE RELIGIOUS SANCTUARY OF LOURDES, IN SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE.

Before

During the flood

***************************************
Published 10/26/09 ALT Group Multiply (defunct)
Web Page: ALT Travel
***************************************

THE GRAND EUROPEAN PILGRIMAGE TOUR:
Tour 4 Lourdes, France
In the year 1858, Lourdes became an important pilgrim destination when a young 14 year old girl, Bernadette Souvirous, witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary as she was collecting firewood. Over a five month period, 18 visions in total appeared to Bernadette, many of them selecting the precise spot where a chapel was to be built. In 1933, Bernadette was canonized a saint.

How do we look? Blessedly and immaculately clean - body and spirit? LOL! Sacred bathers (L-R): Josie, Maria, ALTPresident1, & Carmen

Waiting to be called for our sacred bath at Lourdes (Maria in green, Ruth in blue, sisters Carmen and Josie - all from California). Inside the room, the volunteers were very helpful and respectful. There were individual bathtub with 2 steps: The first step you say silently your intentions (good health, good life, good pilgrim, whatever); the second step you pray either "Our Father" or "Hail Mary." Then 2 volunteers tell you to sit down on the cold water, water is cold, and raise you real fast. I'm assuming the faster the skinny dip, the less of contaminating the water. I wonder if the water is changed everytime there's a new bather?

Video: Sacred Bath http://youtu.be/KzhhaZsGs1c

Again, just like in Fatima, I bought candles for my family and friends. For Mass intentions (good health to all) , I paid 19 euros ($25).

Fr. Paul and Fr. Mel , 2 Franciscan Priests who accompanied us on our pilgrimage, with other priests celebrated Holy Mass at the Grotto of Lourdes. The next evening of procession at Lourdes and during the praying of the Rosary, I experienced my own apparition. Believe it or not. At the recitation of 5th Sorrowful Mystery, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Our Lady of Lourdes suddenly became brighter to light blue! To my fellow pilgrims who have been to Lourdes, you know the Grotto is dark and Our Lady is plainly lighted. Oh, yes, the moon was shining that night but shouldn't Our Lady be yellow and not bright blue? I know what I see. Dear believers, did you know or realize that the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, died and was raised to Heaven BODY AND SOUL?

Very attractive looking pilgrims from South Pacific