This morning, Cardinal Vincent recorded the video beolw as an introduction to the day's events.
The day started a bit dull, much like yesterday morning, but happily once again it didn’t last.
Our first gathering this morning was on the steps in front of the Rosary Basilica for the official pilgrimage photograph. Since there are about 1,200 of us, organising the group was no mean task. However, the photographer (Durand Photography) has had plenty of practice at marshalling us into shape over the years and we were beaming and saying ‘cheese’ before some of us had finished wondering how to present our ‘best side’ to the camera.
Then it was off to the chapel of St. Bernadette Cote Grotte for the morning Mass and a lovely surprise. Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor has flown out from London to join us. Cardinal Murphy O’Connor led the pilgrimage for several years and it’s wonderful that he’s able to be a part of the 25th anniversary. This Mass was also remarkable for another reason. It included the anointing of the sick. It’s a very special moment when each malade receives the holy oils and the priest prays over him/her.
This afternoon the youngsters took over as the pupils of St Dominic’s and St Charles’s Sixth Form College led a recitation of the Five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Each decade was preceded by a tableau, a scriptural reading and a reflection on the mystery. This aided our concentration and helped to make the prayer come more alive for us.
The emphasis on youth continued after this because Cardinal Nichols took part in a Question and Answer session (for the Redcaps and young adults). Questions ranged from a question about when he, Cardinal Nichols, first heard the word ‘selfie” to what he thought of the use of contraception on the African continent. The occasion was good natured and lively and it’s encouraging to see that our young people think deeply and seriously about their faith.
Next for us, is the Marian torchlight procession, tonight. This is one of the most popular events in Lourdes and tonight Westminster will be leading. It might even be that we’ll be making history. It would be interesting to know if it has ever before been led by two cardinals from the same diocese.
