The challenge of finding peace in Lourdes

[emeraldisle]

The challenge of finding peace in Lourdes
By Emma Jane Kirby
BBC News, Lourdes

Lourdes is a massive Roman Catholic pilgrimage site with more hotels than any other French city, except Paris.

It reminded me of my father’s attic - small, overcrowded, fusty, and so stuffed full of junk that the minute I entered I used to panic, desperate to get out again.

So, when I arrived at my very tired-looking hotel, which appeared to be perfumed by the socks of last season’s pilgrims and saw its lobby, packed full of gaudy Virgin Mary memorabilia, you will forgive me when the words “Good God!” escaped my lips, and not in any laudatory way.

Story from BBC NEWS:
news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7234570.stm

Published: 2008/02/09 12:07:14 GMT

© BBC MMVIII

 

[ora_pro_nobis]

I read this article earlier, as I went to Lourdes last year for the first time.
The first thing that struck me was that she could have chosen a nicer hotel. The one I was in was lovely, and very close to the Domaine.
I think she was a bit confused as to the reasons why people go there. I don’t imagine the sick go there expecting to be able to leap out of their beds/wheelchairs, whatever and start dancing - a lot of healing goes on but it is the spiritual kind. Being able to find an inner peace is what I came away with.
Of course there are shops full of all sorts of tat (I have a Lourdes cigarette lighter!) but you buy these things as souvenirs - a symbol to remind you of the time.
By far the most important point of going there is to pray, alone and in groups.
I will never forget my time there and would love to go back (and I’ll probably buy another lighter!)

 

[emeraldisle]

I think the following comments in this news article are interesting;

“Isn’t that what I always say, Peggy? If you want the front pew at mass, get a wheelchair and you’ll be guaranteed the best seat in the house! Anyway, Peggy’s not come for a miracle. She has just come to find peace.”

Is it true that there aren’t miracles at Lourdes? Also what is the peace that Peggy is trying to find a Lourdes?

 

[ora_pro_nobis]

I believe there are miracles going on all the time at Lourdes - just go down to the Grotto and look at peoples’ faces.
The evening Rosary procession, with all those different languages being spoken is just so beautiful and moving.
And yes, I think it is possible to find peace there, among all those thousands of people - I did!

 

[Adonis33]

From what I have heard about Lourdes, you have to get beyond the tacky souveneir shops. One person told me it was one of the most moving experiences of his life.

 

[iamrefreshed]

Is it true that there aren’t miracles at Lourdes? Also what is the peace that Peggy is trying to find a Lourdes?

It depends on how you define miracle. I believe there are thousands of Lourdes miracles every year. You just don’t hear about them.

My mother and I went to Lourdes in 2006. We brought home water. After drinking the water my father returned to the church afetr many years away. My wife was able to then seek healing for sexual abuse she suffered as a child.

Both now are cradled in our Lady’s and the Lord’s arms.

I KNOW these are miracles.

Don’t look for crutches being thrown away. Look for souls being saved!

 

[emeraldisle]

I believe there are miracles going on all the time at Lourdes - just go down to the Grotto and look at peoples’ faces.
The evening Rosary procession, with all those different languages being spoken is just so beautiful and moving.
And yes, I think it is possible to find peace there, among all those thousands of people - I did!

Would these be the same experiences that Muslims would have at Mecca? Are both experiences true ones?

 

[ora_pro_nobis]

Would these be the same experiences that Muslims would have at Mecca? Are both experiences true ones?
Reply With Quote

I have no idea whether miracles are claimed at Mecca, I can only speak for my experience at Lourdes.

 

[Pat_53]

I have always wanted to go to Lourdes :heaven: . Bernadette is the name I took for Confirmation.
Yes, I would be going for healing of Liver failure, but most of all for spiritual healing.
Can anyone recommend where to start :idea: ? I would like to take part in the Jubilee and go to mass every day I am there. I will not have a passport or money till June.

 

[emeraldisle]

I have no idea whether miracles are claimed at Mecca, I can only speak for my experience at Lourdes.

Miracles are claimed at Mecca, please read the following info from Wikipedia. Also it’s interesting that the miracles at Mecca are claimed to happen through the drinking of water because a poster in this tread mentions about a miracles happening as a result of drinking water from Lourdes.

Well of Zamzam

Main article: Zamzam Well
Muslims believe that the Zamzam well was revealed to Hagar (هاجر), mother of Ishmael. She was desperately seeking water for her infant son, but could find none. Mecca is located in a hot dry valley with few other sources of water. **According to tradition, the water of the Zamzam well is divinely blessed. It is believed to satisfy both hunger and thirst, and cure illness. **The water is served to the public through coolers stationed throughout the Masjid al-Haram and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina. All pilgrims make every effort to drink of this water during their pilgrimage, and some dip their ihram clothing into it, so that the cloth can be used as their own burial shroud when they die.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca

I don’t know how these “miracles” can happen at both Lourdes & Mecca and through the drinking of water. Am I right that the “God” Roman Catholics believe in isn’t the same “God” that the Muslims believe in? Who is right?​

 

[musicgal4jesus]

Miracles are claimed at Mecca, please read the following info from Wikipedia. Also it’s interesting that the miracles at Mecca are claimed to happen through the drinking of water because a poster in this tread mentions about a miracles happening as a result of drinking water from Lourdes.

Well of Zamzam

Main article: Zamzam Well
Muslims believe that the Zamzam well was revealed to Hagar (هاجر), mother of Ishmael. She was desperately seeking water for her infant son, but could find none. Mecca is located in a hot dry valley with few other sources of water. **According to tradition, the water of the Zamzam well is divinely blessed. It is believed to satisfy both hunger and thirst, and cure illness. **The water is served to the public through coolers stationed throughout the Masjid al-Haram and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina. All pilgrims make every effort to drink of this water during their pilgrimage, and some dip their ihram clothing into it, so that the cloth can be used as their own burial shroud when they die.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca

I don’t know how these “miracles” can happen at both Lourdes & Mecca and through the drinking of water. Am I right that the “God” Roman Catholics believe in isn’t the same “God” that the Muslims believe in? Who is right?​

Don’t forget, Wikipedia isn’t exactly the most reliable source…

I’ve been to Lourdes (last April), and I really wasn’t that distracted by all the shops. I mean, there are a TON of them in the surrounding town, but the actual site- with the basilica and the shrine- is so peaceful and beautiful!

 

[emeraldisle]

Don’t forget, Wikipedia isn’t exactly the most reliable source…

I’ve been to Lourdes (last April), and I really wasn’t that distracted by all the shops. I mean, there are a TON of them in the surrounding town, but the actual site- with the basilica and the shrine- is so peaceful and beautiful!

How do i know you are a most reliable source to tell me that Wikipedia isn’t a reliable source?

I would say my home is thankfully a nice peaceful place but i wouldn’t call it a special holy place. So why should Lourdes be a special holy place just because some building in it are nice and peaceful?