‘Sickness, Pilgrimage and Lourdes’

When we think of hospital wards, the word ‘joy’often doesn’t come to mind. This is, of course, quite understandable given the realities of sickness and the worries and concerns that go along with that. The word ‘joy’, however, does perfectly encapsulate the atmosphere on the wards of the Accueil in Lourdes. It has been my privilege to be a helper and a priest in the Accueil as part of the A&B Lourdes Pilgrimage and the atmosphere is one of prayer and service in joyful love. This is perhaps most vividly seen in the sick who come to Lourdes and who give tremendously of themselves in who they are as  people, despite their medical conditions, to all around them.

The Church remembers very particularly on Wednesday the visions St Bernadette had of Our Lady and miracles of Lourdes. As a parish here at St Joseph’s, there is a great tradition of going on annual pilgrimage with Our Lady to Lourdes both with the Diocesan Pilgrimage and the HCPT Group 24 Pilgrimage. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with both pilgrimages either by going on pilgrimage, praying for these   pilgrimages or facilitating for someone in need to come (particularly the sick and the young).

Please do keep praying for both pilgrimages and for all those in our parish community who are sick. Whilst these pilgrimages provide wonderful opportunities for spiritual, mental and physical renewal for the sick and housebound, there are many others who are sick and are unable to come for reasons beyond their control. As Christians, we can and should never forget those of us who are physically absent through sickness. Let us remember them every day, individually and collectively, in our prayers.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

 With every blessing, Father Gary