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This year's photos and videos have graciously been provided by Terry Lynch
of Studio Eleven Productions.
Greetings from Lourdes!
“To execute the judgments decreed for them— such is the glory of all God’s faithful. Hallelujah!” Psalms 149:9
What a bittersweet feeling knowing that today was our last full day in Lourdes for this year’s pilgrimage. The last day always has a stronger sense of really taking it all in.
After our final morning prayer, led by Rev. Joseph F. Cavoto, OFM, ChM, and breakfast, we processed down to the Rosary Basilica for our Closing Mass, celebrated by Most Rev. Alfred. A Schlert, ChC. After Mass, we split up into groups in order to attend the Stations of the Cross throughout the grounds of the sanctuary. Rev. Eric M. Hollas, OSB, ChC, led the Upper Stations and Rev. Joseph F. Cavoto, OFM, ChM, led the Lower Stations.
When we arrived back at our hotels, we enjoyed our last lunch together before taking part in the second and final set of Reflections for all pilgrims. Although we were sitting in the same rooms with the same groups of pilgrims as Saturday, today’s Reflections felt different. We came to a deeper understanding of our faith, of our journey to Lourdes, and our short yet impactful time here. Following Reflections, many of us met with our chaplains for one last time in the hotel chapels for continued, but more personal, spiritual reflection time.
The final reception on the Hotel Méditerranée's Balcony was bittersweet; and, we enjoyed one last evening together dining and reminiscing about our experiences over the last week. After dinner, some freshened up, while others began packing up their belongings in preparation for our flight back home, with many of us passing around additional luggage tags and rolls of duct tape to help secure our Lourdes Holy Water for tomorrow's flight home.
The last signature event of the pilgrimage, the Closing Festivities, is always guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye. We listened to Dr. Peter and Mrs. Linda Kelly, Pilgrimage Co-Hosts, thank everyone for joining them on the American Association’s 36th pilgrimage to Lourdes. President Ken Craig received a standing ovation for his many years of service as Co-President of the Pilgrimage. Dr. Richard and Mrs. Dede Milone received a memory book in honor of their 30th Pilgrimage to Lourdes. We heard from a number of pilgrims on their perspective attending the pilgrimage. The Kelly's received the Chancellor's Award for their role as this year's Pilgrimage Co-Hosts. It was also announced that next year's Pilgrimage Co-Hosts will be Robert and Barbara Wilson.
From first time pilgrims, to 30th year pilgrims, and everyone in between, Lourdes has impacted each one of us in a different way. We see the beauty of Lourdes in every Malade and Caregiver as they enter the Grotto for the first time. We have a deeper understanding of our individual spiritual journeys as we prayed alongside fellow Knights, Dames, Affiliates, Chaplains, and Volunteers. Our processions to and from the Sanctuary each day brought a sense of calm over us as we marched together in prayer. We felt at home, in a place so far from home, with Our Lady of Lourdes by our side.
Be sure to click on the red button at the top of this email to view today’s photo gallery. We also encourage you to click on the blue button to watch our gallery of videos that highlight the beauty of our Lourdes Pilgrimage.
As always, you can click here to visit our website for all of the 2024 Lourdes Pilgrimage content, including these updates, photo and video galleries, a recording of the Grotto Mass, a livestream of the Grotto, chaplain reflections, and more.
Stay tuned for one final update tomorrow...
Our Lady of Lourdes,
Pray for Us!
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