The Invasion of Lourdes

The Grotto of Lourdes.  The statue marks where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette.

It began about midday on Wednesday, May 1,  a European Union Holiday.  In the midst of the many families and pilgrims coming to the Sanctuary on May Day, I began to notice the growing numbers of men and women dressed in blue and red with the distinctive cross on their shoulders or over their breasts.   They came from every continent and their numbers began to swell as the days passed.  Lourdes was being invaded by the Knights and Dames of Malta.   The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta as they are officially known were having their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes.  By the time Mass was celebrated on Sunday by Cardinal Paolo Sardi, the Cardinal Patronus of the Order, there were close to 10, 000 members of the order, their families or guests present in the Sanctuary.  (That is in addition to other pilgrims). It was simply amazing.

The blue and red uniforms beginning to fill the esplanade.

"Malta," as we referred to them, was everywhere.  Filling the streets and various chapels as the many national or regional groups met.  They also filled the reconciliation chapels for every language group as the days of pilgrimage progressed.  What impressed me most about their visit is how they took care of the sick and elderly.  "Malta" brings with them sick and elderly members of their order but also the needy from their parishes and communities.  With tremendous care and concern and a military precision everyone is included in all the processions, services and liturgies.  It is a sight to behold.

The afternoon Eucharistic Procession and blessing of the sick had to start a half hour early on Friday so great were the numbers of participants.  And the torchlight procession on Saturday night was the largest in my time here so far.  I thought there was added beauty when about fifteen minutes into the rosary the power in the Sanctuary failed leaving candles as the only light as the night sky arrived.  I was sad I didn't have my camera.  Unfortunately, I was not able to join them for their Sunday Mass (I had Mass for the English-Speaking community at the same time).  but I caught the procession from the underground basilica to the Grotto.  It was as impressive as it seemed never-ending.  Cardinal George from Chicago and our own Cardinal Dolan were among the thirty of forty bishops present.

The Sunday Mass Procession making its way to the Grotto.

I actually ran into Cardinal Dolan by accident and was able to chat with him a bit before I had to go to say my Mass.  As I mentioned in another post I always begin my day by stopping by the Grotto for prayer.  Sunday morning (a stunningly beautiful day) was no different.  So I went down and while saying my prayers I looked up and first saw Father Cruz (the cardinal's secretary) and then Cardinal Dolan.  Like myself they were just praying seated in the rear section of the Grotto.  I don't think anyone knew it was him besides myself.  It's actually very appropriate because here at Lourdes the sick are the ones who always get the best seats; the sick are the ones who are right up front.

Father Cruz and Cardinal Dolan praying Morning Prayer before the Grotto. 

By Monday afternoon the "Malta" Invaders began withdrawing from Lourdes.  They sacked the Sanctuary carrying off with them grace and blessing.  They left a tremendous example of Christian Life in the modern era.