A Journey of Faith and Renewal

“Well, well, well... where to start with Lourdes? 

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I'm very unwell with a long-term chronic illness called ME. My condition continually leaves me feeling completely exhausted and wiped out. I also experience a lot of pain and flu-like symptoms and for the most part I’m housebound. In fact, from the start of February until May of this year I was totally bedridden, such is the fluctuating and debilitating nature of the illness. When I'm at my worst, my poor wife does everything for me, which is no easy task with three kids and her also working 12-hour night shifts as a senior nurse. It isn't easy. When the SVP confirmed they were going to sponsor me to go to Lourdes, you can only imagine my excitement and delight, but also my apprehension too. Yes, it was a fabulous opportunity to spend some intimate time with our Blessed Mother in a beautiful setting, but with me not being in good health it was also somewhat daunting. I needn't have worried. 

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The SVP also arranged for my 15 year old son Ronan to come with me for support. An incredibly generous gesture on their part for which I am so grateful. It was also arranged that we would stay in the Accueil, a hospital which caters for the sickest of pilgrims. The building itself is modern and the facilities excellent and then there were the wonderful nurses and assistants. These beautiful souls were working voluntary and with no pay! I was so touched by their incredible kindness, attentiveness and compassion. We didn't have to worry about a thing as we were so well looked after. We had the fabulous youth volunteers who would take me from A to B around Lourdes in my wheelchair. It was a pleasure getting to know them all, they were all so engaging in our conversations and mature beyond their years. I was also 

surprised at the strength of their faith. They're a credit to the Diocese of Shrewsbury. Put it this way... the future of the Church is looking bright! 

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The village of Lourdes itself is absolutely stunning. The foothills of the Pyreénées provide the backdrop to this very blessed and historic village of immense architectural beauty. To experience Mass in the three main basilicas is something to behold. The grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette, words cannot do justice to the special feeling of peace that penetrates the soul when you pray there. It is an experience I will hold on to for the rest of my life. When you observe all the sick people who've made the effort, despite their infirmities, to come to Lourdes and spend time with the Mother of God it's incredibly moving to witness. 

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Ronan and I also experienced the baths with the healing waters from the holy spring. Once submerged within the holy water, a peace permeated throughout my whole being. A powerfully moving encounter with Our Blessed Mother, I felt so privileged to be there in that moment with her. 

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Unfortunately, I didn't get any physical healing from my trip to Lourdes, but what I did gain was a grace as equally, if not even more valuable, and that was spiritual rejuvenation. My trip to Lourdes gave me the capacity to finally accept God's will for my life. As difficult as suffering is, it is also a gift which draws us closer to God. Lourdes gave me the inner strength and a steadfast determination to "keep calm and carry on" so to speak. I'm not overwhelmed by my illness anymore and I rejoice in the acceptance of my pain suffering which you can't put a price on! God's will is God's will. 

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My son Ronan was so inspired by our trip to Lourdes that he hopes to return again next year as a youth volunteer. Once Our Lady calls you, it's hard to say no. I will undoubtedly be back one day to this very blessed and Holy place of God... I cannot wait! Thank you, Mother Mary and Lord Jesus, for making our pilgrimage an unforgettable one! Avé Maria!”