Written by Rev. Joseph Cavoto, ChM. 

In just a few weeks, we will be sending out an invitation to those who are unwell or who may be interested in joining the pilgrimage to Lourdes.

This is not a detailed explanation of the Lourdes pilgrimage, but rather, an invitation to view it as a spiritual exercise. For the few moments you spend reading this, I ask that you take a deep breath.

Breathe in all that concerns you today.
Breathe in deeply, taking in every burden you carry.
Breathe in the shameful or secret things.

Now, breathe out slowly what you feel only God could know, forgive, or heal.

Once upon a time, there was a prosperous family, likely the envy of the village. In an instant, they went from riches to rags, facing the difficult decision to send their child away to another place, simply because it meant one less mouth to feed.

Oh, that poor child and the burden she must have felt as her parents brought her to their new home—just one room in what was once the jailer’s holding pen.

Then, one day, the girl was sent to find kindling. But she found more than just kindling. She discovered a beautiful Lady standing among the wood.

“Please tell them to build a church at this place. Dig in the dirt, and you’ll find water,” said the Lady.

This little village in the Pyrenees, once a place of refuse, has now become a destination—a place of healing, a place for the curious.

Anyone who has made the journey to this little town in the Pyrenees soon realizes that the former town dump is now a stone grotto. The constant flow of the river, the water from the spring, the candles raised, the heartfelt Ave Maria, the beads, the prayers, the processions, daily Mass, the lightness of absolution that confession brings, the anointing sacrament, and the Stations of the Cross—these become the memory bank from which you withdraw what you need.

If you’ve been to this little village in the Pyrenees, you’ll find yourself drawing from that bank of memories many times. And yet, every time you withdraw, God replenishes it even more.

Lourdes is, first and foremost, a pilgrimage—a journey that requires effort. Everyone who goes to Lourdes is, in some way, needy, unwell, or at least curious. It requires surrender, but in a very short time, you begin to feel lighter. The burden of ego, the weight of self-absorption, and the load of importance just fade away.

Walking, waiting, the unpredictable weather—everything seems out of what I once thought was my control.

We are all Malades! Today, you might be privileged to carry; next time, they may carry you.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours.

Yes, breathe in deeply the darkest burdens, the uncontrolled, the unplanned, the dread and fear. Breathe in the anxious parts, everything beyond your control, whether imagined or planned.

Now, slowly breathe out what only God can give: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.

Breathe out from your heart. Breathe out on those you love and carry. Breathe out, let go, let go, let go.

Lourdes is more than a place—it’s a spiritual journey that requires much but gives even more.

Walk, Wash, Wait.

Hail Mary, full of grace, pray for us.