I stumbled across tomorrow's feast - Our Lady of Lourdes!!!

John and I in France in 2011 for Hallel's first vows.  John was cancer free for a year and a half here, and it was out second trip to St Pierre together!  The first time had been August in 2009 just a few months after we had started our battle against brain cancer which began on Father's Day.  John had just come home to recover after his second chemo, and he got better!  He managed to get himself to the bathroom overnight and so I started to think we could go to be with Hallel as she took her habit and changed her name.  We had all planned to go, but with the onset of John's cancer we all had our tickets refunded by the airlines - except for Nancy, who had left for France to represent the family.  Within 24 hours John and I had gotten tickets and were off to France!  It was miraculous!  This night 2 years later we were watching 6 girls take their habits and change their names - Pat and his mother were with us this time and they both wept at the beauty of this ceremony realizing what we had experienced on the Vigil of the Queenship of Mary 2009!  So powerful!

In 2009 we had to make the trip to Lourdes!  It is just a couple hours away, and John with the help of Fr Craig Timmerman bathed in the healing miraculous waters of the spring, which appeared after St Bernadette dug in the mud as directed by the Lady - Our Lady of Lourdes!  Many have been healed in those waters!   John did not have a miraculous healing but he was deeply touched by the experience and when we returned there two years later - he was totally head over heels in love with his spiritual Mother of heaven and earth!  He was like a suitor with a rose to give his love!  He would just stand and gaze at her beautiful statue with a huge grin on his face, and this has translated to his continued devotion to her.  She even graces his work computer and he will suddenly burst out with a declaration of LOVE for her - "I love Our Lady!"  Me too, John!

 He drenched this candle in the spring healing water and lit it for a girl his age, who was battling brain cancer, also.  He is wearing her bracelet - Lisa died the following fall.  John felt guilty that he survived when others lost their battle here on earth.  He says that it is hard to get passed the feeling that he should have died.  Lord, give him peace and happiness as he follows down the narrow path carrying his Most Cherished Cross.

Pat and I with our Lady looking over our shoulders... Pat had gone into the baths with John!  The womens' line was too long, so this time I didn't go in.  Pat and John had them poor water over their heads! 

Susan/Hallel filling bottles with wonderful Lourdes water... in her raincoat against the rain!

So hoped filled for healing - you watch all the ages and illnesses come by with caregivers.  Our Lady, hear our prayers as we ask you to intercede for the weak and the lowly!  Jesus, we trust in YOU.  Bless-bless, Barbara Luke