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A Summer Trip to Remember
There is a city in France, called Lourdes, and it truly is a life changing place. For those that don’t know, Lourdes is the place where Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette. Where she appeared is now a gorgeous basilica, called the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and is open to people from all over the world. I was very, very fortunate to be one of these people. During my month in Europe, I joined a Salesian college on their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. While the journey to the city was interesting (a 26 hour bus ride is never fun), it was more than worth it. Once we arrived to our hotel, we had a free day to explore the area. A friend and I made our way to see the shrine, which was only a five-minute walk from the hotel. To say the sight was breathtaking would be an understatement. Everywhere you looked was just gorgeous architecture, large areas to relax and pray, and a river which flowed throughout the city. It was so easy to fall in love with Lourdes. After hours of exploring, it was nearing the end of our first day. Then, the actual fun would begin.
One of the reasons for the trip, besides getting to see Lourdes, was to help an elderly group from the Killaloe group in Ireland. We met them on the second day and stayed with them through the week. We were tasked with moving them to the different cites we would be visiting. It made quite the workout. While we were pushing and pulling them in these chariot-like contraptions, it allowed me to talk to the pilgrim. They are some of the sweetest people I had ever met. It was so much fun getting to hear about their life, and they absolutely loved my American accent. They continuously asked me questions about my own life. They even insisted that I take a trip to Killaloe the next time I visit. I know now that Killaloe will have a high spot on my “places to visit” bucket list.
All too quickly the week was over. On our last day, me, the ever emotional mess, cried quite a bit. Not only did we say goodbye to our lovely pilgrims, we had to say goodbye to Lourdes. I had no idea that a place could feel like home in only a week, but Lourdes somehow managed to be just that: a home. Being in a place filled with people from around the globe, and who all share a love for God, it’s not hard to feel that way. Everywhere I went, everyone had smiles on their faces and you could see how happy they were to be there. They were all so kind and welcoming. Even though I had no idea who many of these strangers where, they became family. So while it was very hard to say goodbye, I knew I would be back again.
After all, everyone goes back home eventually.
