Scottish Catholic Observer

ARRIVING in glorious sunshine in Lourdes it was hard to believe that so much devastation had been wreaked on the shrine and some of the hotels just a few days before. It was only as we passed by some of the hotels and the River Gave we began to realise the scale of what had happened.

The shrine authorities have done a fantastic job in the clearing up and repairing of so many parts of the Domain area where the grotto and many of the places of worship are located. This had been a a huge effort coordinating civil authorities and teams along with hundreds of volunteers who were determined that pilgrims coming to Lourdes would not be disappointed.

Sadly the same could not be said for some of the local hoteliers who face a very difficult time trying to get their businesses back up and running, some for second time within six months. Some will not manage this until January/February 2014. Looking inside the shell of some of the recently restored hotels and seeing the impact of the water and the debris was heart breaking. They need our prayers and our support.

The message from the shrine and the hoteliers was very clear: We need you to come; thank you for coming

In fact for the St Andrews and Edinburgh Pilgrimage only one venue was ruled out and that was the Underground Basilica of Pius X which is currently re-scheduled for opening on August 15.

We were able to carry out our visits, to celebrate our Masses and other Liturgies as we had hoped for with a spirit of thanksgiving and community. The processions took place in an adapted form which some actually preferred.

The team of volunteers who look after those in need of support excelled themselves in often blistering heat of 30-35 degrees.

A tremendous spirit of fun and laughter based on a truly prayerful time bonded the pilgrims together very quickly. Everybody played their part to the full. Different people will have different memories—the youth, the lady helpers whose creative skills at the party were unbelievable. The male helpers, the musicians, the medical team, the spiritual support offered by the bishop and the priests, the pilgrims themselves who came for many reasons and brought many intentions particularly in this Year of Faith using the Lourdes theme of Lourdes: the Door of Faith. A recurring theme running through the week was how we all gave and all received from each other. It was a rewarding and faith-filled week and a it was a privilege to be part of it.

—For reports from two young pilgrims and a senior pilgrim, see this week’s print edition of the SCO in parishes