The North East Connecticut Area hosted the 11th Annual Lourdes in a Day Pilgrimage at St. Peter Claver Church in West Hartford on Saturday, September 13th. A record 250 people attended from across Connecticut and neighboring locations.

Lourdes in a Day is an opportunity for the faith community to come together in prayer, reciting the Rosary, washing with Lourdes water, Anointing during the Mass, Eucharist, and Adoration. Attendees availed themselves of the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which was heard by 14 Priests.

Rev. Joseph MacNeill, ChD offered the Liturgy and Benediction with an inspirational reflection and remarks on the Canonizations of the two young Saints last Sunday. In his sermon, the beloved Bishop Peter Rosazza, ChC, reflected on Mary’s intercession at Cana and her enduring presence with the sick, reminding us that she always brings our prayers to Christ’s healing love.

He shared how the Order of Malta’s Lourdes pilgrimage embodies this compassion through service, prayer, and accompaniment of the sick. Bishop Peter presented vivid details on the apparitions, on St. Bernadette bringing forth the Grotto spring, and about the medical evidence required for the 72 Lourdes miracles.

North East Connecticut Area Chair invited over 25 member volunteers to join him in the Sanctuary to recite the Daily Prayer of the Order at the close of Mass.

Following the prayer, they distributed brown bag lunches to the many participants gathered in the parish center, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to the members for this event hosted by Mark and Cherith Sullivan, Co-Chairs