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Greetings from Lourdes!
Today began with the International Mass in St. Pius X Basilica, the largest church in the Sanctuary known to many as the "Underground Basilica". This church, which can hold more than 25,000 people, was filled with a sea of robes, capes, and blue voitures. This was the first major event where most of our group traveled underneath “Lourdes Water”. Traveling back, it was dry. At the same time, Children and Young Adult Malades gathered in the Hotel Alba’s Bartres Room for a special Mass, led by Rev. Ian Jeremiah, ChM, followed by a picnic and trip to the Fort, a historic castle in Lourdes.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention that each morning prior to one of these signature events, pilgrims continue to meet bright and early for morning prayer before breakfast. Before breakfast, members of our Leadership Team gather each morning to discuss how the day before went, what's planned for today, and changes to the schedule. They also address any questions, comments, or concerns that come up, always working to make sure our pilgrims are safe and able to enjoy the events of the pilgrimage. Members of the Medical Team also gather each morning for a breakfast meeting to discuss the health status of the Malades and any concerns they may have. We are grateful to our Leadership Team and Medical Team working every day behind the scenes to make sure the pilgrimage runs smoothly.
Following lunch, pilgrims enjoyed several hours of free time before the next event. This afternoon is usually reserved for a quick snooze, a phone call back home, a quick trip to the Grotto to pray or collect Holy Lourdes Water, and even a look around the local shops for souvenirs. During this time, pilgrims were also welcome to attend the Footsteps of Bernadette Tour, visit with a Chaplain in one of the hotel chapels, attend the Tri-Association Reception, or Benediction in the Hotel Alba's Chapel. Members of the First and Second Class attended the Subpriory Mass at the Notre Dame des Douleurs Chapel, Accueil Marie Saint-Frai.
Later in the evening, approximately 150 pilgrims met in the Hotel Alba's Lobby for the legendary Sing-A-Long, with Maestro Mac Cooney, KM, on the piano. Everyone joined together in harmony for Sing-A-Long classics like "Sweet Caroline" and "Hey Jude". These Sing-A-Long's often start out quiet; but, by the end, everyone is sure to be singing at the top of their lungs!
Until tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes,
Pray for Us!
Click here to view the Lourdes 2023 section of our website, where we will be sharing these daily updates, Mass recordings, photo galleries, Cardinal Dolan's updates, and more. Pilgrims can share these updates with family and friends back home so that they, too, can experience the beauty of Lourdes.
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