Hello to one and all!! Mom asked me if I would help her out and just write a little something on the blog and I am happy to do it. So when mom asked me at first I could not think up a single thing to write, but after thinking for a little while I decided to write about what my family has meant to me.
As many of you know, I'm the second oldest of the Murray Clan and although I take great pride in calling myself a Murray, it can be a little frustrating as well. As the second eldest, as well as the eldest daughter, you take on alot of responsibility especially when mom isn't around. I have a lot of responsibilities and chores such as helping with the house and helping with the meals for my 7 younger brothers. While mom is in the hospital with Claire I'm called to be the best older sister that I can be to them. This isn't easy all the time, not because my brothers are hard to deal with, but because there is often so much activity and chaos to deal with our patience runs short and the fault can lie with me as well. If it wasn't for the grace of God and the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, I would most likely never have the patience that I have throughout the day. And, even with this amazing grace I'm able to receive, some days that go by are not always easier but can be filled with hardships and crosses that I need to continually to take up. But, even with all this and the craziness that goes by day after day, I have come to love my family all the more. I appreciate the little time that we all have left together now that Matthew is growing up and getting ready to move out, now that I have only a year left in high school and am praying about what God is asking of me in my life, now that Claire spends a lot of her time in the hospital and now that all the younger boys are really growing up so fast. I don't think I will ever be able to thank God ebough for giving me such a wonderful family and for putting me in situations such as these so that I can really see how truly blessed I am. I should probably tell my family this more often.
Continue to pray for the Murray Clan for you have no idea how much your prayers mean to us and we will keep all of you in our prayers as well.
God Bless!!
Murray Clan 13!!
From Thomas, Joseph and Michael
This is Joseph, I am in the third grade. I'm in American Shaolin Kenpo. I love to do it and will be earning my orange and white belt soon.
This is Thomas I'm in the fourth grade and I'm in ASK too. I miss Claire while she is in the hospital now, and I love her and hope she comes out soon.
This is Michael, I am five. I like to play with toys, I like to share. I want to play with Thomas the train on the train table. I also feed the baby and he looks at me and smiles at me.
Goodbye!
Love Thomas and Joseph
This is Thomas I'm in the fourth grade and I'm in ASK too. I miss Claire while she is in the hospital now, and I love her and hope she comes out soon.
This is Michael, I am five. I like to play with toys, I like to share. I want to play with Thomas the train on the train table. I also feed the baby and he looks at me and smiles at me.
Goodbye!
Love Thomas and Joseph
An update on the Clan...
So, how are the rest of the clan members doing? We are all doing well, we miss Claire while she is in the hospital doing some rehabilitation after surgery. We ask for your prayers as she continues to work and gain strength. John Mary (Sheila is holding him in the picture) is almost 6 months old and has doubled his weight since birth. He is much adored by all of his siblings and still, although he is very big, gets his brothers and sisters asking to hold him. Fulton, (Peggy is holding him in the picture) is now three years old, is a very precocious and sensitive young boy. He loves to play with his brothers especially trains and cars; he is talking all the time and often trying to stay out of trouble. Next comes Michael,(he is in the front row all the way to the left in the picture) although he is number eight in the birth order, he is often front and center demanding attention, and receiving it either positive or negative. He can't wait to go to school and often tries to get his school work done each day. He is the most strong willed but the most sincere all at the same time. Stephen (Joe is sitting next to him)who is seven almost eight, is doing so well in school, and his recent IEP reflects his growth. He is responding and interacting a little more each day, and he continues to amaze us with his intellect. His siblings often tell us how glad they are to have Stephen in our family, and even though times can be challenging they would'nt have it any other way. Joseph who is eight almost nine(front row left of Michael) is doing well in school also and he is also striving to complete his orange belt in American Shaolin Kenpo. Thomas who is ten (front row and next to Joseph in the picture) is also in American Shaolin Kenpo, he is stuggling with allergies during this rough season and also working hard in American Shaolin Kenpo to receive his orange belt. Kieran is now twelve almost thirteen - a teenager - ( who is sitting next to Fulton in the picture) is doing well in school, is a part of ASK as well as Boy Scouts. We are so proud of him because within a year of boy scouts he has achieved his first class rank and his red jacket. Good Job Kieran! Claire who is now fourteen years old (sitting next to Stephen in the picture) is in the hospital and offering up all of her sufferings for conversions, for priests in this year of the priest, for her family and for her improvement. Sheila who is seventeen (back row of the picture holding baby John) just took her SAT's and is preparing for college, she is looking into different career paths, she is working at a local Catholic book store, working hard in school, preparing for driving, and generally is very busy and so helpful at home. Finally Matthew, who just turned 21 (he is sitting next to Claire in the picture) is applying to another college and is praying and discerning God's call for him in his life. Claire's prayers for him have been tremendously beneficial as well as his ability to spend time with her and help her. He is working and preparing to move on to the next step of his life and vocation.
My wonderful husband Joe is doing well at his new job at Wells Fargo. He is so thankful to have a great group of coworkers especially his boss who he respects and who he is learning a tremendous amount in this new position.
Thank you all for your prayers. God is so good!
My wonderful husband Joe is doing well at his new job at Wells Fargo. He is so thankful to have a great group of coworkers especially his boss who he respects and who he is learning a tremendous amount in this new position.
Thank you all for your prayers. God is so good!
'Babies' Trailer HD
I hear about this film but I have not seen it yet. From the trailer it seems great and I am looking forward to seeing it when I have a chance. At this time when the pill turns 50, how much more appropriate to wath a film that glorifies life and the precious gift of having children. Many times we need reminders about the special miracle of conceiving, bearing, birthing and raising a child. Being a mother and having my own family is the best thing I have ever done, ask any mother who has had a career they will most often choose motherhood as their greatest accomplishment. I give thanks to God for my children and for the gift of my motherhood!
Give me Your Eyes that I might see...
"Give me Your Eyes that I might see, give me Your love for humanity." Help me to see others as you them Lord. Help me not to stare, to appreciate others given their own special gifts and dignity. Given my limited experience, living in this Country and traveling to Lourdes, staring from adults and children is very common and difficult to be the one on the receiving end, just ask Claire. Sure, some staring offers pity, while others just reflect nonacceptance and disgust. However in Lourdes we felt love and respect from everyone who looked upon us. The people who looked at Claire at the airport, at the baths, at the hotel, on the street, all did so with care. Reflecting now on our time there I realize that Lourdes is a place where the sick, the infirm, and the disabled are held at a higher esteem. And, why shouldn't this be so, the suffering are "being kissed by Christ," and He would want them close to His mother. This same suffering our Lady endured at the foot of the cross.
In this country those that are ill are not appreciated for their suffering, we hope to alleviate if not remove their suffering. The means today often relegate the sick out of sight so our sensibilities are no longer harmed. The sick and handicapped are not given proper dignity as a child of God. Sure there are handicapped laws and benefits, yet these are empty for the lack of love and respect rightfully given to the human person whether in good health or not. Mother Teresa mentioned: "I think a much greater disease is to be unloved, unwanted. The pain that these people suffer is very difficult to understand, to penetrate. I think this is what our people all over the world are going through." The Missionaries of Charity, the Order of Malta, and St. Vincent De Paul do an outstanding job respecting the dignity of each human person deigned by God. I recently reflected while praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady that a few of the Sorrows of Our Lady are also the Joyful mysteries. (The Presentation and the Finding in the Temple) I am sure that as we reflect on our past joys there is also sorrow, as well as our sorrows bring joy. Our lives would be very shallow without the sufferings that chisel and perfect our soul as we live with others and prepare for eternity.
I know that I need to appreciate and respect the sufferings of others, and to serve them as we are called to do by God. We need the grace which can only be received in caring for the sick and the poor. Not because it may bring emotional benefits or strokes of pride, rather it is because we are called to do so by Christ.
Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us.
Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us.
In this country those that are ill are not appreciated for their suffering, we hope to alleviate if not remove their suffering. The means today often relegate the sick out of sight so our sensibilities are no longer harmed. The sick and handicapped are not given proper dignity as a child of God. Sure there are handicapped laws and benefits, yet these are empty for the lack of love and respect rightfully given to the human person whether in good health or not. Mother Teresa mentioned: "I think a much greater disease is to be unloved, unwanted. The pain that these people suffer is very difficult to understand, to penetrate. I think this is what our people all over the world are going through." The Missionaries of Charity, the Order of Malta, and St. Vincent De Paul do an outstanding job respecting the dignity of each human person deigned by God. I recently reflected while praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady that a few of the Sorrows of Our Lady are also the Joyful mysteries. (The Presentation and the Finding in the Temple) I am sure that as we reflect on our past joys there is also sorrow, as well as our sorrows bring joy. Our lives would be very shallow without the sufferings that chisel and perfect our soul as we live with others and prepare for eternity.
I know that I need to appreciate and respect the sufferings of others, and to serve them as we are called to do by God. We need the grace which can only be received in caring for the sick and the poor. Not because it may bring emotional benefits or strokes of pride, rather it is because we are called to do so by Christ.
Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us.
Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us.
Happy Birthday Matthew!!!!!
Matthew turned 21 yrs. old today! Yes a milestone for us Americans. Why? Because you are legal. You can buy, drink and patronize pubs with alcohol, you are of age. Most college students celebrate with gusto this right of passage. Now you do not have to worry about being caught while drinking alcohol when you were under age, you can drink legally. So, what did Matthew do to celebrate? He went to visit his younger sister in the hospital. Claire just had another surgery, the second within a week. She is in pain and tired of being in the hospital and Matthew went to sit next to her bed in ICU, and joke, and celebrate his birthday with her since she would not be able to be at home enjoying his birthday with the family. Sure, he could have said "it's my birthday I can visit Claire tomorrow or when she comes back." But, given her feelings and that mom would not be able to be at the hospital until later in the afternoon, Matthew went to spend time with Claire talking about the Giants, telling her stories about her brothers, and sharing experiences that only a big brother and younger sister can share. I am so very proud of my oldest son, he is a beautiful person, striving to live as God is calling him to live, and being a wonderful example for his younger sisters and brothers. Please wish Matthew a happy birthday next time you see him and please continue to keep him and his vocation in your prayers. Praise God for His goodness, now and always.
Another surgery...
Yes, since Claire has returned from the pilgrimage to Lourdes she has had two different shunt revision surgeries. Two days after returning from France and still feeling jet-lagged, the nuerosurgeon requested a late night MRI and surgery on Friday evening. The replacement went well, and she regained some functioning in her arms and legs, still the surgeon feared that the replacement tubing would be a temporary solution and he scheduled a follow-up surgery for yesterday May 11th. Claire is now in ICU at CHO and recovering well with more functioning returning in her arms and legs. Now that we have had a chance to breathe, and look back on the past five days, the cliche that all things happen for a reason is hard to remember in the midst of life, yet with further reflection, how very accurate and appropriate. The travel and trip was hard on Claire and I believe her doctors were concerned about the adjustments her body would have to endure, yet Claire remained stoic through all of it and enjoyed Lourdes temendously. The experience brought so much peace and understanding of God's perfect will in all things. I pray that I can say yes to God more often, especially when things are truly difficult, in order to enable me to be prepared for the blessings recieved in God's plan. God is so good in that He has so much for us to learn if we are open to His instruction.
I ask for your continued prayers and be assured of our prayers for you and your families as well.
I ask for your continued prayers and be assured of our prayers for you and your families as well.
Lourdes in Review - By Claire Murray
Going to Lourdes was an incredible experience! The Knights and Dames were always ready to do something for the malades. The churches and the basilica's were gorgeous. And, going to the Grotto was amazing! When we made our flight to Lourdes I was thinking of what I wanted. I wanted to walk and I didn't want to have any more surgeries. But I think God had something else in mind. Ethan Mills, who was also a malade, (and mom might have mentioned him before) has been battling different cancer's most of his life. Now he is in Hospice. He is so strong and courageous. And now he is at the point of death. Almost every time I saw how tired and sick he was, I started to cry. The thoughts of what I wanted faded away. I think it was God's will that I remain how I am so that I could suffer not only for Ethan but also all those who have cancer or those who are close to death. The trip to Lourdes helped me to forget my self and try (although sometimes it is not easy) to help others and let go of my pride. It helped me to find peace. I thank God for the opportunity to be close to Him and his Mother.
I want to thank the Knights and Dames of Malta.
I want to thank my friends and family for all of their prayers and sacrifice.
I want to thank the Blessed Mother and her son Jesus, for all the blessings I have received.
God Bless you all.
I want to thank the Knights and Dames of Malta.
I want to thank my friends and family for all of their prayers and sacrifice.
I want to thank the Blessed Mother and her son Jesus, for all the blessings I have received.
God Bless you all.
Our last day...
Our last day in Lourdes began with mass (what a great way to start the day) at the St. Joseph's underground church. I did video tape some of the music we enjoyed during our pilgrimage as a lasting memory and to share with others. But, I have not learned yet how to put a video up and when I do I will display some of the wonderful music, many of it was in Latin, during our pilgrimage.
The mass was the last event of our pilgrimage.
Claire and I went out following the mass and braved the freezing rain and visited the Poor Clare monastery again, the grotto for one last time, and the book shop.
After getting soaked, we went back out again to visit the St. Bernadette Museum. It was wonderful to go and learn so much about St. Bernadette, the apparitions and her time as an Ursuline nun. What suffering she endured, in her life. Her family was very poor, she was tormented by others, especially by those who did not believe her, and she was in intense pain as she struggled with tuberculosis of the bones. When Our Lady appeared to her, Mary told her that she could not promise her happiness in this life but that she would receive eternal joy in the next. She was never healed by God, the Blessed Virgin never interceded to end her suffering and pain. Rather, Bernadette endured her cross for others, in recompense for the physical and spiritual healing that would occur for the 6 million plus pilgrims who travel to Lourdes every year. Just as our Lord was never promised relief from His suffering and he endured the cross to be able to bring us all to His kingdom.
We have been healed, Claire and I have witnessed so much grace and peace. I feel she is much stronger now, much more able to serve our Lord and give Him her suffering to make up for what is lacking in me and in humanity. I also recognize the wonderful group of brave people on this pilgrimage who have fought the battles with their illnesses or handicaps and persevered through it in faith and trust. We all need to witness such strength in order to persevere through the challenges; and I have become painfully aware of my own selfishness and the need to die to self in order to serve God in my vocation as a wife, and my family as a mother.
Lastly, we have been able to witness the generosity of the Knights and Dames of Malta who serve the sick and the poor and treat each person with such love and dignity The men and women of the order recognize the unique and special gifts of each malade and their personal dignity as created by God. They serve the sick and the poor of today as the order was meant from the beginning. They serve Christ who is suffering, and as in the place of Christ who heals.
I am so grateful to them for their generosity in bringing us to Lourdes. We do plan on supporting the Knights and Dames in the future, and I believe it to be a very worthy cause for all.
Thank you all for your prayers and I ask that they continue as Claire and I hope to have a safe trip home.
God Bless you!
The mass was the last event of our pilgrimage.
Claire and I went out following the mass and braved the freezing rain and visited the Poor Clare monastery again, the grotto for one last time, and the book shop.
After getting soaked, we went back out again to visit the St. Bernadette Museum. It was wonderful to go and learn so much about St. Bernadette, the apparitions and her time as an Ursuline nun. What suffering she endured, in her life. Her family was very poor, she was tormented by others, especially by those who did not believe her, and she was in intense pain as she struggled with tuberculosis of the bones. When Our Lady appeared to her, Mary told her that she could not promise her happiness in this life but that she would receive eternal joy in the next. She was never healed by God, the Blessed Virgin never interceded to end her suffering and pain. Rather, Bernadette endured her cross for others, in recompense for the physical and spiritual healing that would occur for the 6 million plus pilgrims who travel to Lourdes every year. Just as our Lord was never promised relief from His suffering and he endured the cross to be able to bring us all to His kingdom.
We have been healed, Claire and I have witnessed so much grace and peace. I feel she is much stronger now, much more able to serve our Lord and give Him her suffering to make up for what is lacking in me and in humanity. I also recognize the wonderful group of brave people on this pilgrimage who have fought the battles with their illnesses or handicaps and persevered through it in faith and trust. We all need to witness such strength in order to persevere through the challenges; and I have become painfully aware of my own selfishness and the need to die to self in order to serve God in my vocation as a wife, and my family as a mother.
Lastly, we have been able to witness the generosity of the Knights and Dames of Malta who serve the sick and the poor and treat each person with such love and dignity The men and women of the order recognize the unique and special gifts of each malade and their personal dignity as created by God. They serve the sick and the poor of today as the order was meant from the beginning. They serve Christ who is suffering, and as in the place of Christ who heals.
I am so grateful to them for their generosity in bringing us to Lourdes. We do plan on supporting the Knights and Dames in the future, and I believe it to be a very worthy cause for all.
Thank you all for your prayers and I ask that they continue as Claire and I hope to have a safe trip home.
God Bless you!
The end of the Pilgrimage...
We are coming to the end of our time in Lourdes, France. Claire and I have had a once in a lifetime opportunity with tremendous blessings and joy. We are so grateful to our parish Immaculate Heart of Mary church in Brentwood as well as the pastor Fr. Jerry Brown, for their support and assistance in enabling us to make this trip.
Today, began early with mass at the parish church, it was the church built after the original burned in a fire, and the church of the Soubourious family. The baptismal font where St. Bernadette was baptized is still in the church and we captured some pictures of the beautiful stained glass as well as the mass itself. I particularly enjoy the stained glass window of St. Anthony and the donkey.
Next we had lunch, did some shopping, picked up some chocolate for the family back home, and then headed to the St. Savin church located up in the mountains nestled close to the Pyrrenes mountains. It was a church built in the 8th century and the story is that Charlemagne fought the battle with the Moors near that area. In the church we had exposition, the stations of the cross and blessing of the sick. It was told to us that most of the healings happen during the Eucharistic processions. Therefore to have so many opportunities in this pilgrimage to be blessed by Jesus in the monstrance is a unique opportunity. We all may expect physical healings, but I do know that more healings are needed and occur spiritually and never appreciated for their tremendous grace. Later we came back to hotel to rest and then attended the farewell dinner. We had a chance to say good bye and thank the Knights and Dames who helped us during our pilgrimage as well as speak with some of the other malades and companions who have been so kind and helpful during our stay. I have included the pictures of the kind and generous people in the slideshow for today. I know I have taken many pictures of churches, or masses or bishops that you would think I was in Rome. Yet, they are such a crucial part of our stay that it would be hard to leave them out.
I do apologize that the photography is not very good, I know that there will be better pictures offered from the Knights of Malta.
Do check out Seth's blog, he told me about it today, and continue to keep Ethan in your prayers.
God Bless you!
Today, began early with mass at the parish church, it was the church built after the original burned in a fire, and the church of the Soubourious family. The baptismal font where St. Bernadette was baptized is still in the church and we captured some pictures of the beautiful stained glass as well as the mass itself. I particularly enjoy the stained glass window of St. Anthony and the donkey.
Next we had lunch, did some shopping, picked up some chocolate for the family back home, and then headed to the St. Savin church located up in the mountains nestled close to the Pyrrenes mountains. It was a church built in the 8th century and the story is that Charlemagne fought the battle with the Moors near that area. In the church we had exposition, the stations of the cross and blessing of the sick. It was told to us that most of the healings happen during the Eucharistic processions. Therefore to have so many opportunities in this pilgrimage to be blessed by Jesus in the monstrance is a unique opportunity. We all may expect physical healings, but I do know that more healings are needed and occur spiritually and never appreciated for their tremendous grace. Later we came back to hotel to rest and then attended the farewell dinner. We had a chance to say good bye and thank the Knights and Dames who helped us during our pilgrimage as well as speak with some of the other malades and companions who have been so kind and helpful during our stay. I have included the pictures of the kind and generous people in the slideshow for today. I know I have taken many pictures of churches, or masses or bishops that you would think I was in Rome. Yet, they are such a crucial part of our stay that it would be hard to leave them out.
I do apologize that the photography is not very good, I know that there will be better pictures offered from the Knights of Malta.
Do check out Seth's blog, he told me about it today, and continue to keep Ethan in your prayers.
God Bless you!
Sunday - in Lourdes
Being in Lourdes for Sunday mass was an incredible experience. We particpated in mass at the underground Pius X basilica that was built in 1958. There were thousands of people at mass, over 5,000 were from the Order of Malta throughout the world. The malades were given special attention and mass was concelebrated by over 100 priests, bishops and cardinals on the altar. It was awe-inspiring and so revealing about the universality of the Catholic faith.
After mass Claire and I went sight seeing. We went to the Upper Basilica that was completed in 1862. This was the basilica built at the request of our Lady. Since that time 5 other churches on the domaine have been built to accommodate all of the pilgrims. But, for Claire and I it was nice to see the original church that was built because Our Lady had told Bernadette to build a church there. It was also very consoling to see the scaffolding outside the church which indicated that they were trying to preserve the unique memorial of our Lady's appearances in Lourdes.
After some exploring we got lost, and it was good that Claire was with me to hold the map and help me out. I am very directionally challenged, and it is times like these that I wish my husband were with me to help. We both miss him and the family very much. But, now it was painfully obvious how much we need him.
We then went to the Eucharistic Procession and blessing of the sick. The procession began in the domaine and the weather was very nice for the procession which ended in the Pius X underground basilica. It was followed by the gospel, blessing of the sick with the Blessed sacrament exposed in the monstrance. This was an exceptional opportunity to pray, and thank our Lord for His many blessings, and to ask for healing for family and friends. We noticed that the rain returned after the completion of the procession. It was noted that the absence of the rain during the procession was a special gift from God and Our Lady. God is so good!
John Regan and Maura Clogher helped us today and educated me about the Order of Malta and their plans in the Oakland Diocese for the future. They will open a soup kitchen in Pittsburg with the St. Vincent DePaul and a children's clinic in Pittsburg as well. This is such a blessing, and such a need in the East Bay for the poor and the sick.
Only a couple more days in Lourdes. I hope to get more pictures of Claire with other pilgrims, we shall see if I am able to accomplish this.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
After mass Claire and I went sight seeing. We went to the Upper Basilica that was completed in 1862. This was the basilica built at the request of our Lady. Since that time 5 other churches on the domaine have been built to accommodate all of the pilgrims. But, for Claire and I it was nice to see the original church that was built because Our Lady had told Bernadette to build a church there. It was also very consoling to see the scaffolding outside the church which indicated that they were trying to preserve the unique memorial of our Lady's appearances in Lourdes.
After some exploring we got lost, and it was good that Claire was with me to hold the map and help me out. I am very directionally challenged, and it is times like these that I wish my husband were with me to help. We both miss him and the family very much. But, now it was painfully obvious how much we need him.
We then went to the Eucharistic Procession and blessing of the sick. The procession began in the domaine and the weather was very nice for the procession which ended in the Pius X underground basilica. It was followed by the gospel, blessing of the sick with the Blessed sacrament exposed in the monstrance. This was an exceptional opportunity to pray, and thank our Lord for His many blessings, and to ask for healing for family and friends. We noticed that the rain returned after the completion of the procession. It was noted that the absence of the rain during the procession was a special gift from God and Our Lady. God is so good!
John Regan and Maura Clogher helped us today and educated me about the Order of Malta and their plans in the Oakland Diocese for the future. They will open a soup kitchen in Pittsburg with the St. Vincent DePaul and a children's clinic in Pittsburg as well. This is such a blessing, and such a need in the East Bay for the poor and the sick.
Only a couple more days in Lourdes. I hope to get more pictures of Claire with other pilgrims, we shall see if I am able to accomplish this.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Day Three - Lourdes
This day began early with mass in the grotto. All of the bishops, priests and deacons were under the grotto concelebrating mass. What a unique opportunity to be there, and we were blessed to be a part of it. The weather did not cooperate, it rained a majority of the time and it was very cold. After mass we returned to the hotel to warm up, and then we were back out to the Pius X church for a medal ceremony with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta. He presented each Malade with a medal in honor of their first pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Later in the day we rested in the hotel. Claire has been getting blisters on her feet, even without shoes on, and the jet lag is catching up with her as well as the pain. So it was good for us to rest.
After a nap we went out to explore Lourdes. We went to the cloistered Poor Clare monastery for vespers and exposition. It was wonderful to be there to pray with the nuns, even though it was in French, we could follow along and pray with the rest of the Church. We then took a picture in front of the Castle of Lourdes with the chancellor of the order Joe Contadino, Nancy Contadino and Fr. Gene Contadino who were assigned to help Claire during the day. We appreciate all of your prayers. We look forward to tomorrow for mass in the Pius the X church, and explore the stations and the upper basilica.
Later in the day we rested in the hotel. Claire has been getting blisters on her feet, even without shoes on, and the jet lag is catching up with her as well as the pain. So it was good for us to rest.
After a nap we went out to explore Lourdes. We went to the cloistered Poor Clare monastery for vespers and exposition. It was wonderful to be there to pray with the nuns, even though it was in French, we could follow along and pray with the rest of the Church. We then took a picture in front of the Castle of Lourdes with the chancellor of the order Joe Contadino, Nancy Contadino and Fr. Gene Contadino who were assigned to help Claire during the day. We appreciate all of your prayers. We look forward to tomorrow for mass in the Pius the X church, and explore the stations and the upper basilica.
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