A year ago: Lourdes Day 4

April 4, 2011

Today we had our first formation meeting with George from Malta and Michael from England. We learned about Ste. Bernadette and the theme this year: "Saying the Our Father with Ste. Bernadette." Then we went on a short tour of Lourdes to see her museum, birthplace, home, site of her old parish church, and hospital where she volunteered and received her First Communion.

Then the Acceuil women rushed off to serve, but they did not need us yet on second floor, so we ate lunch and looked at the Underground Basilica (which was modern and shaped like a boat) before we met up with the 3rd floor Acceuil and went back into town.

The underground Basilica

Then we said a French Rosary at the Grotto and had our meeting for the Acceuil with Noel, who only spoke French. So I was asked to interpret the entire 45 minute meeting for the Anglophones, and fortunately some of the French speakers were able to help me out in a couple places where I got stuck. It took a lot of discipline and it was really difficult towards the end, but we made it through and understood what they were saying!!

Then we had Mass in the crypt church again and then dinner followed by serving in the Acceuil. We washed dishes with Veronique, who speaks French and English, as well as two ladies from Spain (Ignatia and Maria) who only spoke Spanish.

Then on our way back, we ran into Regina who was going to choir rehearsal for the procession and I joined her. Also joining us in the Anglophone section was an Irish priest. It was neat seeing the Rosary procession from that point of view and leading it.

Regina petting one of the Bishop's horses. We named them:
the brown was is Philippe and this white one is Jean-Claude.