“The place of little miracles.” That is how one of the sick participants in the pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Lourdes, organized by the Valencian Hospitality of Lourdes, defines it. Little miracles like the dedication of a young volunteer who helps the sick live this experience of faith under the protection of the Virgin, or the simple prayer of a sick person who, thanks to the organization and volunteers, can leave home and go on pilgrimage. A little miracle that this year brought together more than a thousand Valencians, joining the three million pilgrims who visit the French shrine each year.
A record pilgrimage
The pilgrimage took place from June 28 to July 2 and recorded historic numbers: one plane and 19 coaches transported more than a thousand people, including the sick, medical staff, 26 priests and volunteers. Nearly 250 young people from Juniors M.D. and schools such as Cumbres joined the initiative. The Mass at the Grotto of Lourdes was presided over by the auxiliary bishop of Valencia, Monsignor Arturo Ros.
Testimonies of faith and service
The president of the Valencian Hospitality, María Jesús Arnandis, described the experience as “unforgettable.” “We have all been able to place ourselves at the feet of the Virgin and give thanks,” she said. She highlighted the work of the volunteers and the affection with which they cared for the sick, as well as the joy of the young people, who “make the sick feel special.” Ignacio Mora, a sick person from Torrent, described the pilgrimage as “enriching and heartwarming,” thanking the volunteers for their availability and compassionate gaze. “In Lourdes, many little miracles occur, but one of the greatest is the one that makes us lift our gaze, because it makes it healthy,” he added.
Spirituality and encounter
The pilgrims took part in the torchlight procession, the rosary, the Mass at the Grotto and the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Domingo Pacheco, chaplain of Juniors M.D., noted that Lourdes is “a source to drink from through the encounter with God through Mary.” Jaume Gascó, a young volunteer from Juniors M.D., explained that Lourdes is a place of encounter with God and with others, where “through smiles, glances and conversations, unique experiences occur.” Volunteers perform tasks such as transporting the sick, accompanying them in their spirituality.
95 years of hospitality
For more than 95 years, the Valencian Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes has dedicated each day to ensuring that the sick, families, pilgrims and service personnel share days of prayer, work and coexistence in each pilgrimage to the shrine. This tradition remains a pillar of faith and service for the Valencian community.
Original source: paraula.org (published July 6, 2023)
Photo: Pille R. Priske on Unsplash
