On Day 4, the pilgrims visited the Cite St Pierre for Mass in the morning. In the afternoon, Westminster will lead the Blessed Sacrament procession. Here, Cardinal Vincent introduces the day and explains that the procession is a sign of Jesus walking with us at every moment in our pilgrimage.
On this rainy morning, the pilgrims made their way in coaches to the Cite St Pierre, where normally Mass is celebrated in the Cathedral of the Trees with its breathtaking natural beauty. As it was a rainy day, Mass moved indoors to the Padre Pio Hall. As we awaited the arrival of all the pilgrims, the choir kept us entertained with popular numbers.
Just before Mass, we enjoyed a solo of Schubert's Ave Maria, followed by an introduction about the work of the Cite St Pierre, which has for decades given shelter and respite to pilgrims who are in need of help.
Bishop Nicholas, who was the principal celebrant of the Mass, shared with us that, when he first came to Lourdes as a student without much money, he stayed at the Cite St Pierre.
Canon Shaun Leonard preached the homily in which he compared the events of the Visitation to what happens in Lourdes. Just as Elizabeth recognised Mary as Mother of the Lord, we too come to Lourdes in recognition of her role as Mother. Just as Mary showed kindness in the visit to her older relative who was also pregnant, so too do all the helpers come to Lourdes to serve those who are in need of their care. And, just as Mary received blessings from Elizabeth, so too do the helpers receive abundant blessings from those for whom they care and from the bonds that form. He ended the homily by referring to St Paul's observation that we are all saints in the Lord and invited everyone to turn to their neighbour and tell them that they, too, are saints.
In the afternoon, the young people of the Diocese joined with the young people from Brentwood and Wales for a group event, of catechesis, testimonies and activities. A full report can be found in the lively blog on the Youth Ministry website here. Be sure to check out their blogs from the other days of the pilgrimage too.
In the meantime, Cardinal Vincent dropped in to St Frai for afternoon tea with the malades, helpers and staff.
Later in the afternoon, Westminster led the Blessed Sacrament procession. As it continued raining throughout the day, the procession took place indoors, followed by adoration and benediction. It was a very solemn liturgy, with the thousands gathered siltently praying.
In the evening, as is customary, there were entertainments all round. At St Frai, the community of malades, medical staff and helpers, as well as guests, gathered for an evening of song and skits. The staff showed that their talents weren't limited to the medical field but extended to comedy and entertainment too. The priests and seminarians, led by Fr Denis Touw, gave a singing as well as acting performance of Rise and Shine, which by the reaction of the audience was thoroughly enjoyed by all. While over at the Solitude, there was a singalong attended by many of the pilgrims.
Additional photos can be found here.
