32. Lourdes, Friday and Saturday

I decided to stay an extra day because this village is so peaceful

Only about 17,000 local villagers, but in the season 150 hotels are full.

I walked quietly through the underground Basilica of St. Pius X,

Reading about all the saints and their miraculous events.

As you leave the underground tabernacle you emerge to the “Pilgrims rest place.”

A place where pilgrimage groups bring their cross and put it in a space.

Crosses of so many colors, shapes and sizes,

Remind us of the universal faith that can’t disguise us.

The High Stations, Way of the Cross mountain side,

Was closed due to slippery ice.

I made my way to the Gave de Pau river for the Low Stations of the Way of the Cross,

Crossing a bridge, I saw many mallard ducks swimming and residing on the moss.

I started my best duck quack imitation

Before I knew it they were swimming towards me in formation.

I had no bread or food to give them,

But they kept following me while in the river they swam.

I say to myself, “Oh just my luck,

I’m St. Vikki, patron saint of the duck.”

The Low Stations of the Way of the Cross each had a message about water

And the miraculous powers and stories  about Jesus, his saints and the Father.

I wandered up toward the town to see  J’tiame Bernadette, the movie,

Who should I meet again but Brenda and Annie.

They tell me of a special mass in the morning for Bernadette

Be at Sacre Coer Church at  10:00 so you will have a place to sit.

I pass by the little house where St. Bernadette was raised,

And just image what it was like a 150 years ago, and you go into a daze.

There are three churches upon this rock, The Rosary Basilica, Upper Basilica,

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and hospitals for the sick.

The sick and crippled souls come every year,

In hopes that they will be healed with the water and prayer.

Inside and out are adorned with mosaics of bold colors bright

Talented artists display their pieces, an incredible sight.

Saturday morning I head up the hill toward town in a fast gate

And there are my two friends again, it is truly fate.

I sit with Brenda while Anna’s wheelchair is in the front pew,

The service is sung in French, glorious music and choir, the numbers are not few.

The chapel is where Bernadette took her first holy communion,

And the service lasted two hours, way past noon.

Saying goodbye to my two friends from England,

Wandered upon the weekend market and watched for fun.

Flowers, vegetables and clothing galore,

Everything imaginable from the store.

Three young boys on the street corner stand,

Playing rock and roll music with their band.

I wander to the food market and buy my meals for the next few days,

Because tomorrow I will be on the train going the Paris way.

I must get some rest for this evening is the annual procession walk,

Of Bernadette’s February 18^th’s  vision when Virgin Mary began to talk.
I call my mother, friend and Aunt Bobbie too,

None knew what I was going to do.

Aunt Bobbie said she was reading and praying about Bernadette that very day,

Said that I was being blessed to end up that way.

The procession met at the chapel in town,

It was standing room only, people jammed in all around.
A man started talking to me, he knew everyone,
Told me of the miracles that he has seen performed.
He knew all the priest and moved me up close to see
To be able to photograph as close as can be.

Each carries a candle to burn and illuminate the night,

The priests carry Bernadette's relics in an ark  tight.

All follow with lighted candles singing,

Thru the town square, the house and mill while church bells are ringing.

The procession goes to the Grotto, everything is aglow

And a special mass is said for all those in the rows.

I, of course, met my two friends Brenda and Anna near the gate,

Out of the thousands of people, this must be fate.

We walk and talk back to our hotels, which are near,

And promise to email and meet another year..