One of the many favorite and visually impactful events is the candlelight rosary procession that happens every night at Lourdes. Thousands and even ten thousands all process around the grounds saying the rosary. Every language can be heard but together after every Glory Be, comes the Ave. In one voice with candles raised high we sing Ave Maria.
Our group had an American flag that we also walked with which drew some visiting American students from Franciscan University to walk with us. I imagined in my heart the joy this prayerful profession brought to our holy Mother and her Son. Even the scent of roses could be smelled in the air throughout the evening.
After the group got together at the station, we boarded the high speed train back to Paris.
We’ve never traveled in an organized group setting before so this was new to us. The imagine that constantly came to mind, was herding cats. 🥴🤪
Once in Paris, we headed straight to Montmartre where the Sacred Heart Basilica is located. (Sacre Coeur)
This incredible Church was made in response to a defeat rather than a victory in battle. France had gotten very secular and off track with practicing their Catholic faith. It is the second busiest site people see after the Eiffel Tower. On the day of our visit, Sunday, the throngs were just there to enjoy the view of Paris as they sat filling up the rows and rows of steps. Sadly, they weren’t there to visit Jesus or even go to Mass. There were vendors and dancers and the scene in Scripture that came immediately to mind, was that of Jesus making a whip and chasing away all the people selling junk in his Father’s house. I found myself wondering, if they only knew who waited to see them just a few feet away, their Creator and God who wanted to share His infinite love for them.
We celebrated Mass in the crypt below the main altar. I had the honor of proclaiming the second reading and kept my heart focused on this beautiful image across the hall.
As we walked around the Basilica, I imagined the millions of people who had passed this way over the centuries, and the stories, if these walls could talk, about the many saints and martyrs.
This massive mosaic, one of the largest in the world, forms the dome of the Basilica. It is something to see! Adoration of our Lord has been on-going here since the 1800s. How blessed we are to have such holy places to visit which inspire and ignite our faith. My prayers are for a renewal of faith in both France and America (and the rest of world) and it’s a prayer we can all join in.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: “Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Phil 1:20)
St. Paul reminds us that choosing Christ means everything. Later, may never come. Time is of the essence, how will you take the next step?
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