October 19
After breakfast we followed Javier to the Grotto. Shivering in the 35 degree cold we attended Mass concelebrated by about 5 priests. Bernadette braved the cold weather and struggled up from her wheel chair to give one of the readings. Fr. Frank gave the sermon encouraging everyone to expect a special blessing through Mary’s intercession today or in the months to come.
He shared how he skipped the baths until some of the members of his group shared the blessing they had received. He promised God that he would enter the baths in the afternoon if the line was small. Sure enough, when he checked the line, no one was there. So he went in praying for friends who had asked for prayers. When he returned to New York he talked to a parishioner who had a dramatic recovery from a terminal illness. It turned out that her recovery began at the moment Father had taken the plunge.
After Mass we met at the information center to view a video about the message of Lourdes. It was so good that we bought a copy. Then we walked up the mountain behind the basilica for the Stations of the Cross. I was honored to team up with Jack, a construction worker form Queens, to help Bernadette get up and down the mountain in a scooter for the handicapped. The life size stations were very moving especially being so close to Bernadette.
Following the Stations, Barbara and I went back to the hotel to stash our valuables before getting in line for the baths. After entering the changing area, you remove your clothes except for your underwear. An attendant wraps a wet towel around you and you take off your underwear. Then several attendants help you step down into the baths. Then when you give them the okay, they immerse you in the ice cold water.
http://www.olrl.org/stories/lourdes.shtml
Before, during, and after the process you offer prayers for special intentions and for yourself. Barbara and I prayed for one another, our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren, for Mike Egbert, Nicky LaPlante, Bernadette, and our own spiritual growth. It was a tremendous blessing. We entered the baths around 1:00. By 3:00 we were back in our room reading and writing. Later we tried a Jeanne d’Arc pizza (ham, cheese, tomato sauce, with a fried egg on top) with a French beer—very heavy on the stomach. The best part was the view of the Gave River.
Before dinner Javier gathered the pilgrims to share our experiences, since the group was splitting up, some going home, some to Medjugorje, and some to Nevers. Bernadette and her family were deeply moved by everyone’s support and the experience of the Stations and the baths. She went 2-3 times.
From there we went back to our room to get some sleep before our 3:30 wake up call. We had an early morning flight to Paris.
