THE P RTAL
August 2014
Australia Pages - page 9
A Letter from Lourdes - St Jean
Camino Pilgrimage
Fr Nicholas Pearce: Assistant Priest, Frankston
In Lourdes
the world is turned on its head. The sick and the elderly take
pride of place, and the young come to serve not to be served. Is this a glimpse of
the Garden of Eden or a foretaste of heaven?
In our country, Australia, in the weeks and months
ahead we are going to face yet again a discussion of
Euthanasia and so called dying with dignity. Here in
Lourdes the true dignity of every person is respected
and promoted, where ones worth to society is not
gauged by what one can contribute, but by the very
truth that they are known and loved by God.
intentions. In a particular way I prayed for the sick,
suffering and dying members of our community and
for our country that we may always respect and value
the sick, for they have so much to teach us.
We have now arrived in St Jean Pied du Port, on the
French border, and commence our walk tomorrow
with a six-hour trek over the Pyrenees. After much
Here in this sanctuary of our Blessed Mother, those planning and preparation, our little group having
who can walk wait patiently for those in wheelchairs finally arrived at the start line, ate dinner tonight and
and on stretchers, those who can see carefully lead and have retired early, in anticipation of the big day ahead.
guide those who cannot, and those who in the eyes of
the world have no hope are given hope, a hope that
It was lovely this afternoon as we walked through the
will last for ever.
town to meet the other pilgrims who will be walking
at the same time as us. I look forward to sharing more
I prayed for all at St Francis Xavier at the grotto with you over the weeks ahead.
of Our Lady, and called to mind all your personal
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