The Mariale Procession.

Tonight after tea I sat quietly thinking on the river’s edge feeling like something wonderful had happened to me today, I don’t know what but also felt like it was lost. It wouldn’t be too long before the start of the Mariale procession would start so I continued to sit and watch the lighted candles shine out of the grotto into the night.
The thing that I have enjoyed the most about being at Lourdes, apart from sitting by the river and watching the world pass by, is taking part in the Mariale processions.

The procession started at about 9pm with a multilingual speech over speakers. This was an amazing feeling, hearing the different languages really made me realise that we were all here together, we were all the same no matter from which part of the world we came from we were all here for the same reasons. I felt comforted being in the middle of it. The procession set off very slowly, it seemed ages before I actually moved. This was a bit upsetting and frustrating as I felt that I may be missing out on something or not get to experience the whole procession. Some time after the procession started a rosary was said (the Rosary is a series of prayers and meditations on the life of Jesus Christ and his mother, the Virgin Mary. Devout Roman Catholics take the Rosary very seriously and use it as a means of meditation, as well as an intercessory prayer). Along the way there was singing which was calming and gave me that feeling yet again of closeness and being loved. Most people walking the procession were holding lit candles, and standing by the procession the spectators were praying and singing holding their lit candles. After I had been part of the procession I felt an incredible warmth and peace afterwards. It was very emotional and not like anything I have experienced before. The morning after, I still felt that peace, almost as if I had been touched by God.

Do I really understand what its about?

I was once told that in Lourdes you will feel close to God. At this moment in time I was confused. What was I looking for? Where would I see or when would I feel this evidence that God was there. All around me others seemed to be feeling what I wasn’t It made me feel alone and quite sad that I didn’t feel this closeness that others had. As the end of the day was starting to get closer and it was starting to get dark there was a twinkle of candle lights appearing into the streets and over the river.
There was a calming hum in the air it was the gatherings of people singing and praying the sounds where sent flowing through the air into the distance.
Walking down towards the gathering I could hear a bellowing voice speaking words from what I believe is a bible, these words I didn’t really understand. The gathers did and continued to sing and pray quietly and softly. Unusually they had an overwhelming effect on me. I felt that I was starting to understand and starting to feel a warmth within I had never felt before. It was like that big cuddle my mum would give me when everything was going wrong. Her cuddle was so tender and loving and made me feel so loved. I could never compare anything to it before, but now I can.

Witnessing the Procession

Looking around in awe I see beautiful hills surrounding the town, huge mountains behind and the sun beating down lighting the ground.The waters of the River Gave were flowing by. The sound was relaxing but pulling me to follow down the valley and into the Sanctuary. Follow the steady flow of people below me.
Walking down into the town I was becoming overwhelmed by the size of the buildings, the amount of people steadily flowing on just as the River Gave flowed all in the same direction. There was this same sense of calm but relaxing atmosphere. It was like there was an overwhelming feel of hopes and expectations in the air. Looking on I stood amazed by the sight of all the people gathering beside the river.It was like a huge procession, the sick lead the way followed by a steady flow of helpers and those caught up in the spirituality of it all. To the sides of the procession were those standing in respect, many with their heads down looking as though they were praying, maybe for themselves or someone at home? It was quite sad in a way watching those who were obviously really ill following the direction of the warm glowing sun with high hopes of a cure or miracle. But then I also felt quite anxious really hoping that some if not many had their dreams come true and the healing qualities of the water would work. I really didn’t want anyone to be disappointed If I had my way everyone would be cured or healed.

Lourdes why is it so special?

Lourdes is a small town in the Pyrenees in south-west France. This is where the Virgin Mary appeared to the poor peasant girl St. Bernadette eighteen times in 1858. It now attracts five million pilgrims every year from all over the world. Pilgrimage is an important to experience for many Christians and Catholics. They see their life as a journey and and will try to separate themselves from everyday life problems and spend some time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning, such as Lourdes. Some visit just out of interest of this historic place and the beauty of its landscapes and buildings. There are many that visit out of religious beliefs and want to see where the Virgin Mary appeared. Many people go to Lourdes as helpers and support other people who are suffering. It is a selfless act that they are helping others less fortunate in health and life. There are those who are really ill, have disabilities or have terminal illness and visit in the hope of cures and miracles. A very important reason for people going to Lourdes is that they believe that the spring waters that flow from the fountains bring miraculous healing from God.
Over time many thousands of pilgrims have came to Lourdes to follow the words of Our Lady of Lourdes to "drink at the spring and wash in it". The water at Lourdes is not known to be holy water itself but to come from a sacred spring. Many people have claimed that since the apparitions that they have been cured by drinking and bathing in the water.