Hello all,
I, too, only through God's benevolence and divine plane was blessed to experience The Holy Land Nov. 2017.I was showered with graces and blessings as the Lord created 'the way' for me to unexpectedly journey to His Holy Land! Yes, was surrounded by as wide an assortment of touristo vendors as is the Holy Land itself yet it never took away from the overwhelming gift of physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally walking the same land that Our Lord once walked. I will expect as many vendors within the city gates of Lourdes selling all their wares.
I am so appreciative of each response as it boosts my courage; i tend to wobble. Then, I will read a pilgrim's response and feel stronger, more courageous, remembering that it is not through my strength that this walk is unfolding. I'm so thankful to know that at least two other pilgrims are walking from Lourdes at end of Sept.
One pilgrim, who wrote of "Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my! " Now 'Alhimself' and you right there in Lourdes at same time. I don't do Whatz up or Facebook or social media stuff... I do plan to stay Saturday night through Monday night and begin walking Tuesday morning...I will walk also at my own pace... not marathon walks; Lourdes, Betharram, Arudy, Orloron are the stops to begin with. Perhaps we will meet along the way...
Yes, Fr. I do plan to spend a long period of time meditating at the grotto; endless hours, absorbing endless souls each entering the grotto whether with wonder, confusion, hope, despair, joy, weakness, certainty, doubt, disbelief or belief; we can't know, yet they are there and so is Our Blessed Mother wrapping each within her own precious mantle of comfort, love and mercy. Covering each with what they need.