Lourdes!

We are just finishing up our amazing experience at Lourdes, France.  This is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  As I said at Mass this morning, it really is a preview to Heaven.  This is definitely a place of Grace.  There is so much peace here; everyone in our group has felt it since we first stepped foot on these sacred grounds on Wednesday night. 

We just finished bathing in the miraculous Lourdes water.  All twelve of us did this (individually) and were particularly moved by the experience.  I took all of my intentions with me into the pool which means that many of you were with me at that poignant moment of healing.

All of us have been enthralled with Lourdes the whole time, but in particular, visiting the Grotto multiple times, the Eucharistic Procession, Marian procession, Confession and blessing from my good friend Fr. Dan Leary*, Lourdes baths, movie on the life of St. Bernadette, Eucharistic Adoration (galore!), seeing and praying for the malades (the sick), washing with Lourdes water as often as possible, and just sharing the grace-filled here with thousands of people.

We have all been praying for physical and personal healing the past two days - for ourselves and for many others back home, especially GW Catholics.  God has indeed touched us profoundly through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Amazing stuff!  Our Lady of Lourdes; pray for us!

* I providentially "bumped into" Fr Dan last night.  It was unbelievable.  I didn't know he was here and vice versa.  He is serving as a chaplain at Lourdes for 10 days, basically to hear confessions of pilgrims.  Our group really enjoyed hanging out with him last night after the procession, going to him for confessions qnd receiving his potent blessings/laying on of his healing hands.

Below is our group pic at Lourdes!