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.