Alex, Dihn, Ricky and I had the privilege of participating last summer in the Annual National Pilgrimage to Lourdes organized by the French Province of the Congregation. The experience gave us an opportunity to participate in different activities such as the daily Eucharist, prayers in the grotto, processions, community service and socializing with some religious and diocesan seminarians who were also there.

Brother Carlos, A.A.

Two experiences during my stay in Lourdes marked me personally. In Lourdes I felt proud of being an Assumption. The pilgrimage gave me an idea of how dedicated and committed are my Assumptionist brothers to the ministry for the sick. There was an active participation on the part of the greater Assumption Family. Every Assumption sister and brother was doing something for the realization of a common endeavor.

Secondly, the feeling of being at the site where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette 19 times in 1890 was remarkable. The pilgrim’s expression of faith was inspiring to behold coupled with the prayerful atmosphere of the place. As a religious, the experience was a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal. It would be good to derive strength from the experience when the going gets tough. Finally, the pilgrimage was a testimony of how “unity in diversity” is lived concretely in the Church. People who were there came from different cultural backgrounds, age groups, etc. but all unanimously joined together in praising God, the source of healing and consolation. I am most grateful to God for the grace of being at Lourdes and for having participated in the apostolate of my Assumptionist brothers and sisters last summer.

Bro. Carlos Melocoton, A.A.