The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is worth the trip, no matter how far you have to trek. I traveled down there before beginning the Camino de Santiago because I wanted to ask the intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary on this pilgrimage.
This was my fourth time there, and each time has been special. In January, the town is pretty much closed up, so creature-comforts are hard to come by. That's a plus, as there are too many tacky stores selling cheap goods anyway. With all the commercialism in Lourdes, the walk from the train station to the Sanctuary can be an assault on the senses. But once you enter the Sanctuary, it is all tranquility and peace. Entering the Sanctuary is like coming home to an old friend. With so many pilgrims praying there year-in and year-out, only special things can happen there.
The Lord spoke profoundly to me about the importance of learning how to love Him all over again in a basic way. That's what is so great about messages from the Lord -- they are never too complex or hard to grasp. Usually the Lord asks us to do something that we know how to do (or have done before), but this time in a fresh, renewed way.
The Sanctuary is open from 5 am until Midnight each day. Last night I was there around 9 pm, and had the Grotto (where the Virgin appeared to Ste. Bernadette) almost all to myself. I was so privileged to be at the same spot that Mary spoke 153 years ago. It was sublime, holy, and memorable.
It's now off to Lyon (closer and closer to starting the Camino at Le Puy-en-Velay).
-Joseph
