During their visit to Lourdes, France, the Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims were asked to participate in a number of high-profile events in front of thousands of others from around the world.
In the beautiful setting of the grotto where St Bernadette saw the apparition of Our Lady, Bishop Vincent concelebrated Mass with dozens of priests, several bishops and Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster.
Also on the altar were Fr Andrew Rooney, Fr Greg Jacobs, Fr Chris del Rosario and Fr Piotr Kruk. Deacon Tom Green and Thanh Nguyen who was an acolyte that assisted at the Mass, flanked by Deacons and dignitaries from around the world.
Fr Chris told Catholic Outlook after the Mass that “God has a good sense of humour”, “I was sitting in the same spot as I touched when I was a pilgrim 12 years ago and my vocation was beginning to stir,” he said. For Fr Andrew, only ordained last year, it was an unexpected “experience of a lifetime” especially as he admitted, “I’m a bit of a fan of Cardinal Nichols.”
Joining the Parramatta clergy were several pilgrims, all wearing their pilgrimage shirts, who had been asked to assist the priests with the distribution of communion.
Later that day, Parramatta pilgrims had another chance to take an active part in a major Lourdes tradition. The Adoration of the Eucharist procession, attended by over ten thousand pilgrims wound its way through Lourdes, past the Cathedral, to the giant underground Basilica of St Pius X. Representing the youth of the world, and carrying the World Youth Day logo, pilgrim Joseva Bolaira was selected to represent the young people of the world and carry the World Youth Day cross logo. “When I got asked to carry the cross for World Youth Day I was like ‘me?’” he said. “It was really a privilege to represent the Diocese of Parramatta as well,”
Fellow pilgrim, Noel Abraham was also unexpectedly called to carry the Australian flag and display it at the altar. “I was so nervous. This wasn’t meant to happen at all. Suddenly I was told to bring it (the flag) in, and then the next thing I’m standing at the altar waving the flag. It’s honestly the most amazing experience. I’m going to tell my grandkids.”
Pilgrimage nurse, Neville Reynolds, and Christe D’Mello, a doctor, also found themselves in an unexpected situation. The procession highlights medical doctors and nurses and Neville and Christe walked with their counterparts from other parts of the world. Christie then accompanied the eucharist in the monstrance as it was taken to all parts of the enormous and full basilica with 20,000 pilgrims from all over the world praying as it passed.
“They asked me if I was a doctor. I said yes and they (procession organisers) pushed me towards the bishops. “Just follow along,” they said. “So I did. Next thing there is Jesus as the blessed sacrament being held by all these bishops, surrounded by medical professionals from around the world.”
She admits to being shaky, because of such a quick turn of events. But she says, she felt “An overwhelming sense of joy.”
“It was amazing being there with colleagues from around the world, there for one purpose,” she said.
After the ceremony, she and Neville were taken to a facility to meet the head doctor of Lourdes and were given honorary membership to the Lourdes medical association, witnessed by Bishop Vincent.
She explained it is the job of the organisation to check for miracles, plus there are so many sick people in Lourdes, medical workers are very important.
Following the procession, Neville and Christe, watched by Bishop Vincent, met the Chief Medical Officer of Lourdes who manages claims of cures.
Watch highlights of the pilgrimage here.
