Having passed the half-way point of the pilgrimage, the graces received over the last few days have made our hearts a fertile ground to receive still greater healing. So it is fitting that, at today’s Votive Mass of Our Lady, Health of the Sick, we once again joined in the psalmist’s cry:

‘As a doe longs
for running streams,
so longs my soul
for you, my God.’
(Psalm 42:1)

Today’s Mass highlighted the link between spiritual and physical healing. Just as in the Gospel we heard of Christ curing Peter’s mother-in-law by touching her hand, so Cardinal Nichols and many of our priests proceeded to administer the Anointing of the Sick to the infirm members of our congregation; a moment in which Christ’s tenderness shone forth with subtle yet profound intensity.

In his homily, Bishop Hudson spoke about St Bernadette’s own struggle with illness, and the humility with which she accepted a hidden life in service of the sick. He reflected that in all her trials, ‘Jesus saw Bernadette; saw her and wanted her,’ and how it is ‘strengthening and empowering, consoling and comforting, for every one of us, to imagine Jesus seeing us and desiring us.’

This afternoon, many of our pilgrims are venturing out to Gavarnie, a picturesque town in the Pyrénées with wonderful views of the mountains. Those staying at St Frai will get to explore the beautiful area of St Savin, while others will take time to pray, rest, or drift between Lourdes’ many special places.

After supper, Fr Chris Vipers will join Teresa, our Evangelisation Coordinator, for an interactive session entitled ‘A Future and a Hope.’ The discussion will centre around discovering God’s mission for each of our lives, and helping us respond to that call whatever it may be.

To round off the day, the Redcaps will then pay a late visit to the Grotto, to learn about the story of Lourdes and absorb the unique atmosphere of the Grotto at night.

View today’s photos here.