21 July
So, here we are back in Lourdes. The day started off dull and rainy but things were different by the afternoon and we’d all discarded our waterproofs. Before I go any further it’s only fair to announce that our pilgrimage is very special this year, in more ways than one.
In the first place 2014 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first ever Westminster pilgrimage to Lourdes. It was established in 1989 by the late, much-loved Cardinal Basil Hume.
And that leads very neatly into the second reason why this year is special. Earlier this year our Archbishop, Vincent Nichols, was admitted to the College of Cardinals in a very moving Mass in Rome and we’re very happy that his new responsibilities haven’t prevented him from leading us here again this year.
Cardinal Nichols gave a catechesis to a packed ‘Salle Notre Dame’ this morning. He spoke of the story of Bernadette which points the way to the inner, spiritual journey which we all must make if we are to grow in our faith and ‘convert.’ The theme of the year is: The Joy of Conversion. You can read some excerpts from the catechesis here.
We learnt two Greek words for ‘time’ kairos and chronos. Kairos is a key moment, a favourable moment; for instance, the moment when a young man might say, ‘yes’ in his heart, to God’s call to become a priest. After that moment everything is different. If we’re wise, we’ll all be alert to the kairos moments when they occur in our lives. Chronos is time in the sense we all know of living out our daily lives, going to work, going to play, organising our chronos. It’s very important that we give our time to God, in prayer and in seeking His will.
This afternoon we celebrated a joyful, opening Mass in the Parish Church. Bishop John Sherrington was the chief celebrant and, like the Cardinal this morning he drew on the theme of ‘journeying’ in his homily. Another reminder of the Cardinal’s status came with the appearance of our new diocesan banner which incorporates a red hat. It’s a bit of a trek getting up to the Parish Church, the way lying through what is popularly known as ‘heart attack hill’ but our young people were more than equal to the task and cheerfully pushed their malades in the, now, bright sunshine. This is only the second time we’ve used this venue but I think it’s going to be a very popular in the future.
The priority given to and care of, the sick in Lourdes is only right and proper but it’s good to be reminded that in one way or another, we’re all sick and in need of healing. Our penitential service last night was an occasion for this. Father Chris Vipers of the Feltham parish led the liturgy and encouraged everybody to take advantage of this sacrament. He reminded us of how much God loves us and is waiting for us to come and be healed in our souls by him. It was a wonderful occasion and I’m sure many people came away with their hearts lightened.
9:00 Cardinal Vincent gives us an introduction to our first day of the pilgrimage.
Today the pilgrims will have their opening Mass, celebrated at the parish church where Bernadette was baptised and where she began her journey of faith.
Later in the evening they will join together again for the reconciliation service, providing, at the start, an opportunity for all to put themselves right with God.
The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes begins this Sunday 20 July. Cardinal Vincent extends a warm welcome to all to join him on the pilgrimage. Daily updates will be posted on this page. Please follow us each day for regular updates and to pray along with the pilgrims.
