My Lourdes Journey by Rt Revd Dom Alistair Bate OSBA
I was twenty three years old in the summer of 1987 when I spent a month in Lourdes working with the Little Way Association. It was an amazing experience, all the more so because of the kindness and companionship of others who were working for the Little Way at that time, however, much of the deeper spirituality and pathos of the place passed me by, simply because at that age they were outside my frame of reference.
So, why one may ask did it take 27 years to return to Lourdes. Firstly, my spiritual journey took several circuitous turns away from the Catholic tradition for quite a few years and secondly when I did return to (Old) Catholicism over a decade ago both Walsingham and Rue du Bac, for various reasons, became my first ports of call. It took a move to the continent to live with Mons Bruno, a keen driver, for Lourdes once again to become more accessible. Little could I have imagined 27 years ago that my second visit to Lourdes would be as a happily partnered, “new monastic” Benedictine and Old Catholic bishop!
So, why one may ask did it take 27 years to return to Lourdes. Firstly, my spiritual journey took several circuitous turns away from the Catholic tradition for quite a few years and secondly when I did return to (Old) Catholicism over a decade ago both Walsingham and Rue du Bac, for various reasons, became my first ports of call. It took a move to the continent to live with Mons Bruno, a keen driver, for Lourdes once again to become more accessible. Little could I have imagined 27 years ago that my second visit to Lourdes would be as a happily partnered, “new monastic” Benedictine and Old Catholic bishop!
Naturally, the vast majority of pilgrims to Lourdes are Roman Catholic, but by no means all, as the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) and diverse groups of Anglo-Catholics have both led large formal pilgrimages to Lourdes in recent years. Many Old Catholic and Independent Catholic individuals and small groups also visit Lourdes quite regularly. I expect that many of these non-RC pilgrims, like myself will share a certain ambivalence with regard to the Roman Church. Whilst deeply appreciating the profound mystical theology and rich devotional tradition of Catholicism I have to disregard both the oppressive moral conservatism and the populist style of the post-Vatican II church. It may help to remember that St Bernadette and all the characters in the Lourdes story were at the time of the apparitions “old Catholics” in the sense that the doctrine of Papal Infallibility had not yet been defined, an act which many Catholics now regret. In fact one of the receptionists at the Sanctuary Information Centre to whom I was explaining our position as Old Catholics herself agreed that the definition of papal infallibility was most unfortunate, a sentiment shared by many lay Catholics and not a few clergy and religious.
I find that one of the lovely things about France is the ecumenical atmosphere that now perfades amongst Christians, no doubt due to the pioneering ecumenical work of men like Abbé Paul Couturier and Frerè Roger of Taizé. It really meant alot to Monsignor Bruno and I to be given permission as Old Catholics to celebrate Mass in the Basilica and to those who questioned us we were certainly open about who and what we are. On the other hand it was also very good just to relax as pilgrims amongst other pilgrims and bless sacramentals for the faithful when requested, just like any other priests.
Although we in the Independent Sacramental Movement, network quite well in several languages, our main contacts tend to be those with whom we share a common language and unfortunately as a result we can sometimes miss out on the rich cultural ethos of global Catholicism. Just as with Rome and Jerusalem, Lourdes is a melting pot where one has the opportunity to meet and worship with people of many races and nations. Here, the title of “World Mother” often used by Liberal Catholics when referring to Our Lady makes much sense, as gathered at the Grotto we are all simply her children. I was particularly touched on this pilgrimage to share friendly smiles and greetings with many diverse people, a reminder to me of the words of St Bernadette about the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. She said it was very nice, but her Lady was younger and was always smiling. In Lourdes a spirit of childlike innocence, friendliness and openness to all appears to be given.
Nowhere is the equality of Our Lady’s children more apparent than at the baths, where with candidates stripped to the bare essentials what one might call a "lay priesthood" preside at the ceremony of immersion in the healing waters. The piscine experience defies description but suffice to say it was the highlight of my pilgrimage and the words “cleansing", “purifying”, “invigorating”, and even “re-vivifying” all spring to mind. Whatever the intention of ones pilgrimage, for oneself or others, Mary is indeed full of grace for those with hearts open to receive.
The childlike simplicity, trust and self-surrender of St Bernadette is an example for all pilgrims to Lourdes. Those who approach with cynicism towards the “commercialism” or skepticism towards the apparitions will receive little, but those who are hungry for God will surely be filled with good things, as the Magnificat foretells, “He has filled the hungry with good things but the rich he has sent away empty.”
The primary grace of Lourdes is the strengthening of the faith of each pilgrim. Some are cured of physical and mental ailments, but everyone receives healing, as Our Lady shares in the healing ministry of her Son and echoes his words, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Mark 10:52)
I find that one of the lovely things about France is the ecumenical atmosphere that now perfades amongst Christians, no doubt due to the pioneering ecumenical work of men like Abbé Paul Couturier and Frerè Roger of Taizé. It really meant alot to Monsignor Bruno and I to be given permission as Old Catholics to celebrate Mass in the Basilica and to those who questioned us we were certainly open about who and what we are. On the other hand it was also very good just to relax as pilgrims amongst other pilgrims and bless sacramentals for the faithful when requested, just like any other priests.
Although we in the Independent Sacramental Movement, network quite well in several languages, our main contacts tend to be those with whom we share a common language and unfortunately as a result we can sometimes miss out on the rich cultural ethos of global Catholicism. Just as with Rome and Jerusalem, Lourdes is a melting pot where one has the opportunity to meet and worship with people of many races and nations. Here, the title of “World Mother” often used by Liberal Catholics when referring to Our Lady makes much sense, as gathered at the Grotto we are all simply her children. I was particularly touched on this pilgrimage to share friendly smiles and greetings with many diverse people, a reminder to me of the words of St Bernadette about the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. She said it was very nice, but her Lady was younger and was always smiling. In Lourdes a spirit of childlike innocence, friendliness and openness to all appears to be given.
Nowhere is the equality of Our Lady’s children more apparent than at the baths, where with candidates stripped to the bare essentials what one might call a "lay priesthood" preside at the ceremony of immersion in the healing waters. The piscine experience defies description but suffice to say it was the highlight of my pilgrimage and the words “cleansing", “purifying”, “invigorating”, and even “re-vivifying” all spring to mind. Whatever the intention of ones pilgrimage, for oneself or others, Mary is indeed full of grace for those with hearts open to receive.
The childlike simplicity, trust and self-surrender of St Bernadette is an example for all pilgrims to Lourdes. Those who approach with cynicism towards the “commercialism” or skepticism towards the apparitions will receive little, but those who are hungry for God will surely be filled with good things, as the Magnificat foretells, “He has filled the hungry with good things but the rich he has sent away empty.”
The primary grace of Lourdes is the strengthening of the faith of each pilgrim. Some are cured of physical and mental ailments, but everyone receives healing, as Our Lady shares in the healing ministry of her Son and echoes his words, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Mark 10:52)
Thanks to my beloved Mons Bruno for making this pilgrimage possible!
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