Rob Colquhoun

Lourdes

Having just been to the one of the most famous sites in Christendom, I have just had on an incredible week there.

Lourdes is like a taste of heaven for those who are sick and dying- they are treated like Kings and Queens whilst they are there and the hospitality shown to all there emphasises the universal human dignity that we all possess by virtue of being human and in the image of God. How striking at just a time when in Britain the government wants to let those who have given up on life to kill themselves by introducing euthanasia that Lourdes is testimony to precisely the opposite- saying every life is precious no matter how ill.

What a beautiful city a such tremendous story- a little poor girl searching for wood has a tremendous vision of the virgin Mary and many miracles occur- who but real cynics could doubt the 67 miracles that have happened there. And Bernadette’s body still preserved- how would you explain that one!

With many sick people there it makes one realise how grateful we really should be for all those things we take for granted- health, agility and youthfulness. Its easy to forget about the many graces that God has bestowed on each of us.

It is great to see many young people doing such wonderful good there. When young people are criticised these days it is great to see that young people are capable of helping the elderly and sick. The fact that people of all ages come back year on year shows that something is really special here- as such a peaceful and prayerful place it has much to offer. We can have our hearts remoulded to hearts of flesh and refresh our belief in Christ.

The town gives great hope to those who are suffering or ill- even though they may not have a miracle of their own- just to be grateful for being alive and that there are others to help us. The volunteers can also learn a great deal from the maladies- the grace of patience and peace in the adversity of suffering, as well as the wisdom of old age.