PILGRIMAGE LOURDES 2018

Dear pilgrim friend,

Hello and welcome to Lourdes!

This year, Mary invites you to the celebration at the Grotto of Massabielle where little Bernadette received "the Message" in 1858.

160 years ago! What emotions in Lourdes!

So, on the road with you, my brothers Deaf and hearing, to meet Christ who shows us a path of life for today, a path of love for tomorrow, a path of alliance with God for eternity. Strengthened by the intercession of Mary and Saint Bernadette, may you enter into the prayer of the Church and give thanks to God.

In Rome, in May 2015, "Deaf Catholic Europe" proposed to me: "Why not, the pilgrimage of European Deaf people in France?" and I said: "Yes, if possible".

I remember what is written in the passage of the Gospel  of Saint Luke, chapter 1, verse 37: "For nothing is impossible with God!" Everything is truly coming true today in Lourdes.

It is a great joy that all the Deaf pilgrims from different countries, sometimes far away, come to meet in Lourdes, simply to communicate by the same sign language and at the same time to pray together before Mary, Mother of our God, her Son Jesus. What wonders God does!

Dear pilgrim friend, you too, enter this inner grotto where someone is waiting for you. Your poverty, your lack, can be, like the Grotto of Massabielle, the place of a presence. Listen! See! Accept to serve and answer God: "Here I am, send me!"

And now, we are in joy with Christ!

Have a good pilgrimage.