Scottish Catholic Observer

WEEKS of meticulous planning came to fruition as pilgrims from different parts of St Andrews & Edinburgh Archdiocese set off on the annual Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Once they had arrived and settled in, the pilgrims began to participate in all the traditional Lourdes liturgies as well as the sights and sounds of Lourdes. Compared with the previous year the weather was indifferent but this did not hinder the sense of anticipation each day as the pilgrims gathered in different venues for various liturgies.

The pilgrimage formally began in Lourdes with a special liturgy to mark the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pilgrims gathered at St. Michael’s Gate, listened to the word of God, recited the creed, the Jubilee Prayer composed by Pope Francis and then moved through the Jubilee Door where they were sprinkled with Holy Water. This theme of Mercy was to feature throughout the week, the Lourdes authorities having chosen as the theme for the Pilgrimage season ‘Merciful like the Father.’

If you were to ask the pilgrims what was the high point of the week there would be as many answers as there were pilgrims. Some would mention the international Mass with Archbishop Leo Cushley. Others would refer to the great processions; others would highlight the Mass with the Sacrament of the Sick; others might mention the Service of Reconciliation held in the Rosary basilica; some might pick the Way of the Cross celebrated in the Chapel of Our Lady using slides and DVDs to focus our thoughts; others would maybe mention the Mass celebrated in the Parish Church in Lourdes and yet others would opt for the quiet times snatched at the Grotto late at night or in any of the basilicas.

Alongside these great liturgical events there was the opportunity to relax in the cafes and shops enjoying the special camaraderie that the pilgrimage brings about; the party is always a highlight where all sorts of talents are on display with dancing and entertainment by volunteers.

The week showed the Church in action, at prayer and relaxing. The faith of many pilgrims was deepened and enriched as they came closer to Jesus through Mary.

At the end of the week the pilgrims arrived home tired but safe and well after spending time with Our Lady in Lourdes. The helpers, men and women, the nurses and doctors, the youth, the musicians, the priests had all worked to make sure that the week was an enriching, prayerful and rewarding time for everyone but especially for the assisted pilgrims from whom so much was also received. If there was to be a measure of how good a week it had been, it is summed up by the number of times people said that they were already looking forward to next year’s pilgrimage.