On this day in 1858, Our Lady appeared to 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. Today, Lourdes is a popular pilgrimage for Catholics who are seeking the Blessed Mother's intercession--especially for the sick. This is a special place for us because we planned to take Mom there when she was ill. We were part of the pilgrimage organized by the Knights and Ladies of Malta who are a lay religious group dedicated to praying for and helping the sick go to Lourdes. Mom decided not to go at the last minute, but Kerry/Clay and John/I went ahead. It was an awesome trip--one of prayer, faith and hope--and LOTS of Lourdes water :). Below are a few pictures of us at Lourdes. One story that I think about often is that when we were lighting a candle for Mom, a stranger came up to my sister and said, "You know, that candle will be lit forever." When Kerry looked at him confused, he told her that the wax drippings from all of the candles are what they use to make fresh candles, so our candle and prayer will be lit forever. I think he could tell we weren't there for general prayer but for a very personal intention. These photos are from our trip in 2007.
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| The Grotto |
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| John and I outside the original church |
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| Mom's candle--the straight one in the middle |
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| Kerry and I in front of the grotto on the last day. |
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| Stations of the Cross |
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