October 20
It all began at 3:30am with a wake up call. By 4:45 we were on the bus to the Lourdes airport. By 8:00 we were landing early at the Paris Orly airport with a view of the Eiffel Tower on the horizon. It is now 10:37 and we are still in the airport.
Javier explains our situation to Fr. Frank and the rest of the pilgrims.
We are victims of a strike on the British subsidiary of Air France which went on strike just as our bags were being unloaded. One of our group (Sue) must have the medicine from her bag before tonight. So far her baggage tag is the only one getting any attention. Meanwhile, Javier is pressuring the airline to release all of our bags. We gave him all of our baggage claim tickets along with a description of each bag. He offered to beg on his knees pleading that we are a pilgrimage group that simply wants to visit churches and to pray. So far it looks like we will be lucky to get Sue’s pills. Later on, Fr. Frank invoked Our Lady’s help. Shortly after, we finally got our bags. We were the only group on the plane that had any luck with the union negotiators.
Around 2:00, after a six hour wait, our bus left for Nevers.
It was a welcome sight three hours later in the late afternoon sun.
We arrived in time for Fr. Frank to say Mass at the altar
near the uncorrupt body of St. Bernadette.
Javier gave us a tour of the grounds and talked to the right people
so that we could enter the room where St. Bernadette died (post card picture below).
One of our group took a picture of Barbara and me in a nearby courtyard. Then Javier led us to a chapel and a grotto where Bernadette used to pray.
After a short visit to the shrine’s store, we drove to the Mercure Hotel.Dinner was pork and potatoes, French style, with a scrumptious light apple pastry for dessert. I have an Internet connection for one hour (4.50 euros) so I will make the most of it. The connection in Lourdes was terrible and the only computer available had a French keyboard which is a nightmare. Tomorrow we’re off to Chartres and Lisieux. Hope the rain and cold give us a break. Paris was freezing cold.
After finishing today’s journal, I reflected on a simple picture and poem about St. Bernadette:
Bernadette,
So as to put my hesitant footsteps into your footsteps,
Please, Bernadette, lend me your clogs.
They are for me, at the same time, symbols
Of having my own two feet on the ground,
A spirit of poverty and of simplicity.
You know very well, sad to say, that I lack all of this.
Please, Bernadette, lend me your clogs.
And should they be too small, may they make me modest.
In the knowledge that as I go forward I have limitations,
My steps are small, I stumble and rise again.
Please, Bernadette, lend me your clogs.
To go towards Mary with more confidence,
To discover the living water offered to those who thirst,
To go to the table where bread is freely given,
Please, Bernadette, give me your clogs.
To go towards the Father who awaits and loves me.
To take part in the feast at the end of the road
After having walked, carrying my joys and sorrows,
Asking you at all times to take me by the hand.
Please, Bernadette, give me your clogs.
Marie-Louise Pierson