In this issue:
An Oblate Tradition:
Serving in Lourdes, France
An Oblate Tradition: Serving in Lourdes France
A Reflection by Fr. Paul Horrocks, O.M.I.
The story of Lourdes is simple yet astounding. In 1858 Our Lady appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirious, a simple young peasant girl. Over 150 years later, Our Lady’s miraculous apparitions continue to touch the souls of millions.
The history of the Missionary Oblates’ connection to Lourdes dates back to just a few years after Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. Father Ferdinand Gondrand, O.M.I. helped Bernadette put into words the first narrative about the apparitions. Cardinal Joseph Guibert, O.M.I., Archbishop of Paris, led the effort to consecrate the basilica there.
Today the Oblates coordinate an international youth Mass and organize afternoons of reflection, Marian celebrations and the Stations of the Cross for young visitors to Lourdes. They also hear confessions daily, sensitive to the many languages spoken by pilgrims.
Father Paul Horrocks, O.M.I. is one of the eleven Oblates currently working in Lourdes, but only one of two who serve the English-speaking pilgrims. Although this South African Oblate has worked in Lourdes for the past seven years, he feels as if he still grows in faith each and every day – he truly appreciates the opportunity to live and work in such a peaceful, sacred place. Father Horrocks writes:
“The invitation ‘Let us give thanks to the Lord our God’ is easy to give with the whole of my being as I celebrate the Eucharist here in Lourdes. Recently a pilgrim from Ireland remarked, ‘There is reverence but lightness here’ and she said it in such a way that she showed she was pondering the wonder of the life of faith experienced here. At the heart of the message of Lourdes is freedom and love.
“My chief ministry is serving as a confessor which is rather different than hearing confessions in a parish. Many are seeking healing for themselves or someone else, others hear a call or have a deep desire to renew their faith. A good number are looking for consolation in their bereavement – others again show a genuine repentance and wish to be reconciled to the Lord and the Church in order to be able to begin a new life.
“There are those who come to realize while they are here that there is no clear answer to the question ‘why’ and through Our Blessed Mother receive the wonderful grace of acceptance and peace enabling them to live with the question.
“I have no doubt that most of the ‘miracles’ here in Lourdes are generally unsung but known to those who receive them as part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I have lost count of the number of such stories that I have heard, for though they do not happen every day, they do so often enough to inspire a sense of awe.
“After my experience here – and I am sure my brother Oblates say the
same – I am moved from deep within to say ‘It is right to
give Him thanks
and praise.’”
Quick Facts about Lourdes, France:
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