French: like so many small birds flapping their delicate wings and taking flight at once. Italian: the liquid flow of each bubbling syllable, a fast current of sound. Spanish: quick and connected, a racing heartbeat. German: rough around the edges. Dutch: a rise and fall, mountains and valleys of words. English: tinted with brogues and accents; a slow, steady rhythm.

These languages surround the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, built in commemoration of the Blessed Virgin’s appearance to St. Bernadette in 1858. The sounds make an awkward symphony, each instrument playing a different song.

Yet, moments arise when the orchestra tightens its notes and tunes its pitch. Although the instruments are each distinct in sound, together they blend to play a piece so beautiful it swells the heart and brings tears to the eyes of any listener.

This is especially true during the international Mass. Almost 10,000 pilgrims from five different continents gathered together in the underground sanctuary of St. Pius X to honor the Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. As an Oblate of Mary Immaculate introduced his nationality in his native language, a procession of representatives marched in, holding flags and banners for their respective countries. A large number of concelebrants followed, and then the Bishop of Lourdes entered, warmly waving at the cheering crowd. The sanctuary was alive with voices united in song and in faith.

Many nationalities were represented. Through songs, readings, and petitions, each language was spoken, and an international language was communicated. Everyone made the Sign of the Cross, everyone shared the Kiss of Peace, everyone stood shoulder to shoulder and shared a smile with their neighbor. Religion had united the congregation into one community of faith.

This was also evident at the evening Rosary Procession. Darkness blanketed Rosary Square. Despite the bitter cold, the pilgrims flocked to the area, each person holding a lit candle lantern. Many people clutched their rosaries in one gloved hand, and wrapped the other around the arm of their companions. With the ringing of the Basilica bells as a musical backdrop, a French voice began to speak. Italian, Spanish, English, German, and Dutch voices followed. Each speaker said the same words so her nationality’s pilgrims understood: “Tonight we honor the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. We will commemorate the evening by praying the Joyful Mysteries.” And then it began. The French speaker recited the first half of the “Hail Mary.” Soon, thousands of voices answered her. Everyone spoke at the same time, tufts of air billowing out into the chilly night. Each language harmonized until the crowd became one voice, praising and imploring Our Lady.

After the fifth “Hail Mary,” a new speaker began to lead the crowd. A new language led, and yet again the crowd united in answer. After the “Glory Be,” the cantor led everyone in song. Each verse was sung in a different language, and, as the refrain arose, so did thousands of glowing lanterns. The square was a beacon of light, as if the world was upside down and the evening sky and twinkling stars were on the ground instead of above. With hands held high, the pilgrims began processing around the square and the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Oceans. Cultures. Languages. All of these become roadblocks that keep countries apart. Yet, all are united through prayer. Faith gathers pilgrims from around the world to Lourdes, and it is at this sacred place that the international Church is represented.