This article was written by Caroline Gibson, RN, AUX, of the Boston Area.
It’s hard to describe what my expectations were for my first pilgrimage to Lourdes this past May.
A part of me was a bit nervous, asking myself: would I meet people and get along with anyone? Will my faith grow? What is it about this trip that is so transformative? A bigger part of me was excited to experience this first-hand and to have the opportunity to serve as a nurse on the medical team caring for the malades and their caregivers. My parents have been going on the pilgrimage for as long as I can remember, and throughout the years I have heard so much from them about Lourdes and the Order of Malta. When I was invited this year to join the annual pilgrimage as a nurse on the medical team, I finally felt ready to see what this was all about. Little did I know then how this journey would change my life.
Our days in Lourdes were spent praying, walking, laughing, crying, dancing, singing, hugging, and living in the image of God. There is a strong sense of belonging in Lourdes – not only with the people around you, but also in your relationship with God. As a young Catholic, this trip reinvigorated my own faith. In today’s world religion can be a difficult topic. To be surrounded by hundreds of people who share the same core beliefs is a beautiful reminder of His love for each of us. At home, it can be so easy to get caught up in the daily obligations of work, family, social life, politics, finances, and so many other stressors. We sometimes forget our call to service and the commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us.
In Lourdes, we see God’s love in action at every moment. We witness the immense hope, strength, and resilience that malades and their caregivers have in the healing spirit of Our Lady of Lourdes. We are reminded of the importance of human connection and the healing power of God’s love. In just seven short days, it felt like we each started as acquaintances on an international flight and grew to a beautiful close-knit family that I now truly can’t imagine life without. It is simply indescribable. Lourdes is an opportunity to live simply in service to others – the way that God intends us to.
At our first team meeting after arriving in Lourdes, we received beautiful red and white beaded bracelets made by one of our malades. As I slipped the bracelet on my wrist, I looked down at the words strung together that read: “come and see.” We were welcomed to Lourdes and encouraged to be open to the possibilities of God. I still wear this bracelet daily as a reminder to keep my heart open to God and to others. As I now set my sights on the upcoming 2025 pilgrimage as a new member of the auxiliary, I am eager to return and encourage other young members to join us: come and see what this sacred journey is all about.
