Today marks the final full day of our pilgrimage here in Lourdes, a week of prayer, healing, and hope coming to a end.
This morning, pilgrims gathered for the Closing Mass, giving thanks for all they have experienced and received during these days. The Offertory Hymn, written for this Jubilee Year, captured the theme of this pilgrimage so beautifully:
Like a flame my hope is burning,
may my song arise to you:
Source of life that has no ending,
on life’s path I trust in you.
Later in the day, Cardinal Vincent Nichols shared his final reflection for this pilgrimage, He said:
'I was able to ask people to think about the thank you letter they would write to Mary. She invited them here for six days, as we leave we should thank her, at least a letter of our hearts. And thank her for the gifts we have recieved.'
As pilgrims prepare to leave Lourdes today and tomorrow, they do so with hearts renewed, carrying with them the prayers and intentions of all those they have remembered here, and striving to live out the call to be Pilgrims of Hope in their families, parishes, and communities.
Please continue to pray for us as we return home, as we continue to pray for you.
