Wednesday, May 8 the French celebrated Liberation Day. It was the day when the allied forces (mainly of the United States, Great Britain and Canada) finally drove out the occupying Nazi forces in 1945. While most of the soldiers of that era are dying off in the States because the war was fought here it is still remembered quite vividly by some and quite visibly in the geography and history of France.
There was a full festive meal in the Maison where I live. I was the only representative of the allied forces. There is a Canadian priest here from Montreal but he was out for lunch. I did get a few people say "Thank You" which was quite moving. The meal was splendid and the drinks and special hors d'oeuvres before didn't hurt either!
But there is another Liberation that occurs daily at Lourdes: the Liberation from sin. Close to a thousand people each day go to confession in various languages receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is powerful and I am privileged to be an instrument of God's Grace here. The relief and joy is all too often visible on the faces and in the demeanor of the penitents who spurred on by the spirit of the Sanctuary come seeking the forgiveness of sins.
Happy Liberation Day! Get to confession. I went the other day and it cant be beat!
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