All called to Holiness
At a conference the rector, taking the suggested theme for this year: “Happy are the poor”, led a beautiful reflection on poverty. Bernadette was chosen because she was the poorest. In Lourdes, the poor lead us to what is important. They cause us to reflect on our own deficiencies and allow us to become rich with the love of God.
Father André Cabes invited each volunteer to meet the poor man who is Christ: “He waits for us to approach the foot of the cross. It opens a way of life for us. He added, “This is what Mary came to tell us: in her, we see the Father who begets the Son by the power of the Spirit. At a time when fake news seems to grab the headlines, in Lourdes, the Good News is announced to all. God visits the hearts of the poor. God comes to be with us during our most difficult times. We are all called to holiness. Saints are not someone perfect, they are sinners who have been forgiven.”
A rosary said in 9 languages
After a shared meal, participants who wanted to could experience the Baths, a time of worship at the crypt, or receive forgiveness at the chapel of Reconciliation.
Some followed the Way of Compassion. The opportunity to meditate on other forms of poverty: the loss of a child before birth or in an accident …
For the first time at the Sanctuary, the rosary has been said in 9 languages: French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Dutch, Romanian, Polish and Chinese, in communion with the Family of Our Lady of Lourdes all over the world.
Opening the International Centre for Volunteering
This year, the Sanctuary is opening the International Centre for Volunteering for all those who want to put their energy into the service of the Virgin Mary.
Contact : +33 (0) 5 62 42 79 04
benevole@lourdes-france.com
1 av. Monseigneur Théas
