Trip to Lourdes

[Feankie]

I am traveling to Lourdes with the Order of Malta next week, May 3-10th.  Knights, Dames, volunteers, malades (the sick) and their companions from all over the globe converge in Lourdes for this one week.  My Federal Association here in the U.S. is taking 60 malades, 70+ companions, and over 200 Knights and Dames.  That doesn't take into account the volunteers, spouses, those in Formation, and the Pages (children of members who work for the week running errands, handing out water, etc.) There are two other Associations in the U.S. going as well, but I have no idea what their numbers are.

This is my first trip to Lourdes with the Order and I am pretty pumped, although I hate to fly.....they haven't built the bridge or the tunnel under the Atlantic as yet, so I'll be medicated and just have to smell of elderberries it up.

I won't be a pusher or a puller of the carts, but an escort to a different malade and companion daily.  My bad knee problem (bone on bone) prevents me from doing the "heavy lifting" although being an escort will put my SD skills to good use as many will want to talk. There are 6 malades and 7 companions, 2 priests, 3 doctors, 3 nurses, and 20 Knights and Dames on my particular team.  

I would humbly ask if you would pray we all have a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. I'm not expecting to see physical miracles, but miracles of the heart and soul.

Thanks to all of you in advance.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you!

[DominicanHeart]

Can I come???!

[NadaTeTurbe]

That's so cool ! I live next to Lourdes, I hope you enjoy it and have lot of suns (wich, let's be honest... is very rare in Lourdes). If you have a little time, there's another marian pilgrimage next to Lorudes : Our Lady of Garaison : http://www.lourdes-infotourisme.com/web/EN/368-sanctuary-of-our-lady-of-garaison.php Where will you sleep ? 

[Nunsuch]

Blessings on your journey. And perhaps your knee will also be healed!

[Feankie]

Nada,  We don't get our hotel assignments until we arrive, but I was told I'd most likely be in the Panorama or St. Saveur (sp).  Thanks for the info about Our Lady of Garaison.  We have very little free time as we're with our malades and companions from breakfast till they retire for the night. We get assigned a different malade and companion each day, so we get to interact with everyone on our team.  There is a bit of time, but not much as we're there to serve them.  But I've got a religious goods shopping list from family and friends, so I'll have to hit the shops sometime before we leave.

I'll be praying for my knee :))  Dunking myself in the baths when it's cold out doesn't seem too appealing right now, but when the time comes, I know I'll be immersed no matter what it's like outside.  I'm preparing for every possible weather except a blizzard.  From what I understand, it can be cold, warm, raining all in the same morning.

[Hna.Caridad]

 

May God bless you on your journey/pilgrimage.  Please say some prayers for all of us while you're there.  (Thanks!)

[dairygirl4u2c]

if i were u id get a europass and visit Nevers, France to see bernadette's body, then head over to fatima. you could make a trip out of it and visit all around europe if you wanted. i actually visited all those places and most of europe doing just that. it's conveniently taking you to all those holy places

[Feankie]

I will carry all of you in my heart and pray for the intentions that are in YOUR hearts.

I wish I could travel around Europe this trip, but unfortunately that is not possible.  We stay with our malades and companions from the time we meet at the airport in Baltimore until the time we land back in Baltimore a week later.

My husband and I have spent considerable time in Europe in the past ad would love to go back again soon.  We've been to Fatima, to Avila, to Nevers, the Vatican , and  the Rue de Bac.  I'd really love to walk the Camino.....dreaming (sigh)

[Feankie]

Well....I'm back and exhausted (but in a good way!).  Know that I prayed for all of you while I was there.  Our malades ages ran the gamut from infants to the very elderly - and they all had lessons to teach us as we were serving them.  The busiest days were Sat. and Sun. as Dames and Knights worldwide descended into Lourdes and into the Domain.  When we received our Lourdes Pilgrim Medals it was done by country.  The country of Iraq had over 100 first time Knights and Dames and received a very long standing ovation.....what a witness to our faith to have them with us!

Now it's time for me to decompress as each day was very intense, but there were lots of happy times as well as plenty of tears.  I would have to say going into the baths was the most emotional time for me as well as our malades.  The funniest thing for me was every time I'd go past the taps I'd splash my bad knee with the water and it would, of course, run down my stocking and look a bit odd.  One of my friends would then announce very loudly,  "Ooops, looks like she wet her pantaloons again!"  Of course, everyone got the joke and we all had a good chuckle.  Lots of laughter at times, but plenty serious moments as well.

I did have a chance to talk with Cardinal Dolan for a bit which was wonderful.  And Lino Rulli from the Catholic Channel on Sirius Radio was there filming Cardinal Dolan video diary for the radio and TV station.

I've now got to take my husband to the airport for his flight home to see his mother, so ta ta for now!