Pilgrimage of Lourdes 2025: Follow the on -board book of our Assumptionist journalist

Nature question

“When creation gets rid of, it is the face of God himself who is disfigured.” Commenting on the Gospel of this day which evokes the end of time and this moment, apocalyptic, where the stars of the sky will collapse on earth, Mgr Benoît Gschwind underlines how the world entrusted to us is also the place of meeting with the Creator. In the Sanctuary of Lourdes, the rock, the Gave river, the old or recent trees remind us in a protective and peaceful setting. But there too, uncertainty reigns. We remember with concern about the floods which, in recent years, have struck the sanctuary. As if the Pyrenees, in the distance, could no longer contain the waters entrusted to them throughout the year.

And then, faced with the heat that sets up every summer harder, it will no doubt have to plant many other trees on the large meadow that welcomes the largest celebrations. Because encyclical calls Laudato if ‘, Pope Francis, still have a long way to do here too. Will pilgrims and tourists be invited to enter a more responsible, more local, more united consumption? What if we created a more integrated economy in this little heavy world of hotels, restaurants, canteens? After the first national pilgrimage of farmers which took place in Lourdes at the end of last year, a movement finally seems to emerge.

Almost a utopia as the emergencies are, here too, first of all that of being effective and productive. The sanctuary itself fights to maintain a precarious economic balance, sometimes relegating the questions of integral ecology in the background, once again. However, are we not invited to come and drink pure water from the rock here? Should we also also the dry source so that we finally awaken to our common responsibility?

Serve and be served

Domino Christo serves. “Serve Christ Lord” present in their brothers and sisters. The motto of the Hospitallers of Notre-Dame-de Salut puts the bar high. On this day, 28 of them, men and women, doctors, caregivers, volunteers, are publicly committed to lasting service, throughout their lives, here in Lourdes and their daily lives. They pronounce together, surrounding the altar, the prayer of engagement which brings them together. On their side, a couple of hospital workers committed for fifty years in the adventure testifies that a loyalty in the service is still possible. For once, in these Eucharistic celebrations usually very masculine and clerical, this secular moment brings a salutary wind of freshness.

This is also the case when, a little later, the sacrament of the sick. A sensitive approach where the bruised bodies are affected by compassion oil. A moving moment also for the priests who make it possible, they who must also learn to look with humanity on the stretchers, to collect a first name, to pray with the heart without hiding behind a formula. Sometimes a sick or elderly priest sitting in a wheelchair, their recall that they are also part of this assembly of poor, publicans, sick and sinners that the Lord comes to cure. A salutary reminder for everyone.

Godson and godfather

Rémi and Celian sit at the bottom of the Grande Assembly. The two high school students in the first class carry the blue vest of all those who are at the service here. However, they came to Lourdes this year for the first time. Rémi was invited by his godfather to come and discover this adventure. And Célian, the son of his godfather, joined him. “For the moment, we are versatile here and do different services.” explains one and adds: “It is touching to see six thousand people thus gathered in the same faith.” “It is sure, the meeting of sick people will invite me to be more attentive, on my return, to this reality around me,” adds the other.

Suddenly, the godfather in question, a big bearded fellow, comes to join the exchange. “Excuse me, I just went to help a patient who had to be changed.” Meanwhile, the famous assembly sings: “Send your mind, and everything will be created. You will renew the face of the earth. ” Rémi and Celian listen, look, receive.

Water from there

Antoine, Charles and Lucie are a very active little trio. At six, they are already responsible, with many others, to bring water to people during long celebrations. One with the jug, the other the disposable cups and the third the trash bag to recover them. The boys have a blue apron. Girls, a pink apron. Lucie says: “For me, this is the first time I do this.” Charles, he specifies: “Not for me.”

Already, here they are left further to accomplish this mission which is close to their hearts. The presence of these children, still in carefree but already serious joy in their commitment, is an invitation for everyone to live in everyday life. A useful reminder also for all Christian communities that the intergenerational dimension is essential to testify to the good news. Good news from Christ for all, young and old.