Lourdes Day 2

Today was a very spiritually moving day. We started at the Piscenes (the baths). We were greeted by Tom Kearney (no relation to Theresa, but a friend of hers). He welcomed us to the Piscenes and we were among the first eight people to be taken into the changing rooms. It all happened so fast- the next few minutes were hurried. There was barely time to gather our thoughts and intentions before we were whisked into the bath. Sharon was the first of the day, Cindy the second. What they say is true – it is an amazing experience and the water is COLD! Eight minutes after entering, we were completely dressed and back outside the Piscenes. This is significant because most people wait for hours. We then spent some time in the Eucharistic Adoration tent. Afterwards, we shared our experiences in the baths and discovered some similarities. Even though we were immersed in water up to our necks, and without a towel to dry off, getting dressed was not difficult and our clothes was not wet either. Our skin was cool to the touch for long afterwards, even though it was really hot out and we both experienced a tongly sensation on our skin. Next we walked along a path and read about eight different “water” stories from the Bible, each accompanied by a fountain from the spring. All relate to how water has been used as a source of life since time began. We followed that by doing the stations of the cross, reading short meditations at each spot. (All this and it’s only 10:30!) After using the bathrooms Theresa recommended (thanks T! They were five stars!), we watched a short film about Bernadette and Lourdes. The afternoon was spent seeing where Bernadette spent her early days: the Boly Mill and the Cachot. While we were out walking, we were able to find Guadeloupe House, the North American Volunteers house in Lourdes. We loved it and are sorry we didn’t get to see the inside. After dinner we visited the Bernadette museum and then found a spot up by the gold crown to watch (this time) the candlelight procession. Again we were touched by so many people praying the rosary all at the same time. Back at the room we got a call from Lauren (Sharon’s sister too)… it seems that tomorrow we’ll be renting a car instead of taking a train and navigating and driving through southern France to meet up with Lauren and her family! The adventure continues! God Bless from Lourdes!