Bonjour! I recently had the opportunity to spend my spring vacation in Paris, making a special pilgrimage to the village of Lourdes to celebrate the 150th jubilee anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary's appearances to St. Bernadette. Leaving with five of my classmates, a group of my teachers and a mixed group of family members and friends, the 24 of us set out with high expectations of a fantastic and fun trip.
Once we arrived at Lourdes, we were able to see the beautiful French countryside. This little village is a quaint town set amongst green hills filled with fragrant spring flowers, situated at the foothills of the snow-capped Pyrenees Mountains. Our hotel, St. Savaeur, was located about a five-minute walk from the grotto.
Now, the grotto is not just some little shrine. It's almost like a giant park. To get into the grotto, we passed through St. Joseph's gates, walked down a path and then came into a large opening called the Domain, with different paths leading to churches and chapels, the confession building which offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation in almost every language on earth, the adoration chapel and the actual grotto, where the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to St. Bernadette.
On the way to the shrine, there were spouts where people can fill up bottles with the miraculous water from the spring. The actual shrine is carved into the side of a large cliff, on top of which a church is built. One can actually walk through and touch the sides of the grotto where the Blessed Virgin appeared and see the spot where Bernadette dug for a spring.
The sight of the shrine is breath-taking.
The atmosphere there is just so peaceful; the strangest thing is that when people walk up to see the shrine, they are silenced. It's not because someone tells them to be quiet, but because they are at such peace, that they don't feel like talking, they feel like contemplating or praying.
Beyond the shrine is a pathway that leads to the baths, where one can be bathed in the miraculous water. On the pathway are rows and rows of candles, where people can purchase candles to make intentions for loved ones.
Later that same night, part of the group attended a nighttime rosary procession. Thousands were there, walking around saying the rosary while carrying lit candles.
The next day, was just as busy. We went to St. Cosmos chapel, where Mass was said by a missionary priest from South Africa. After Mass, we went to say the Stations of the Cross in the mountains, where we had to hike to see each station. We then went on a three-hour tour of the village of Lourdes to learn about the life of St. Bernadette.
For those who don't know who Bernadette is, I am referring to St. Bernadette Soubirous. She was a poor 14-year-old girl living in Lourdes during the 1860s. One day, while gathering firewood at a dump called Massiebelle, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her and asked her to say the rosary with her. Bernadette didn't know it was the Blessed Virgin who had appeared to her; she told her parents that it was “the most beautiful lady she had ever seen.” The beautiful lady asked Bernadette to return 18 more times. No one would believe in Bernadette and thought she was crazy. During one of her last apparitions, Mary told Bernadette to dig in the mud for a spring. No one saw the spring, but a few days later water began to flow from the spot in the ground and the crippled and sick who drank and bathed in the water were healed.
Mary later told Bernadette that she was the Immaculate Conception, and because of this and the miraculous waters, a shrine and chapel were built to honor her.
To this day, more than 6 million pilgrims visit Lourdes every year to visit the shrine and drink the water.
Our tour guide explained to us that Pope Benedict XVI issued a plenary indulgence if you went on the “Jubilee Way.” This consisted of going to confession, receiving Holy Eucharist, praying for the Holy Father's intentions and visiting four of the places most important in Bernadette's life. We visited the parish church where the baptismal font in which Bernadette was baptized, the “cachot” or old prison-house where Bernadette's family lived in squalid conditions during the time of the apparitions, the hospital where Bernadette cared for the sick and the grotto where Mary appeared to her.
Later, we visited the baths. The baths are gender-separated and each person goes into a room, where they pray and are submerged into a giant basin filled with the miraculous water. One of everyone's favorite sights that day was visiting Charlemagne's castle, which is located right on the outskirts of Lourdes. The fort is huge and gives a fantastic view of the whole town. It was amazing to think that we were standing in the fort of one of history's greatest kings.
We left Lourdes Tuesday, April 15, to take a six-hour train ride to Paris. For many, it was their first ride in a train. Upon arriving, we took a bus-tour of the city. We saw many of the famous sights: Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the church where Napoleon was buried, the Louvre and the famous French opera house where the “phantom of the opera” lives. That night, we went to see the Eiffel Tower. It was beautiful; all lit up, and the view of Paris was amazing.
Wednesday, April 16, we awoke early and went to Mass at Notre Dame, the same church in which Napoleon crowned himself emperor in France, and also the same church on which the famous Disney movie is based. Afterward we walked through the city to see the Rue de Bac, where there is a church containing the incorrupt body of St. Catherine de Laboure and the heart of St. Vincent de Paul.
Paris is the city if you like to eat! Everyone had quite the culinary experience eating escargot, pate, onion soup, duck, omelets, croque monsieurs (French ham and cheese sandwiches) and all of the delicious eclairs, croissants, tarts and pastries. Later that day, we took the Metro, which is probably the easiest and most efficient way to get around the city, to Creperie Henri, a small crepe stand in the heart of Paris. Crepe stands in France are like hot dog stands in New York City #) they are everywhere! Everyone agreed that these sweet, thin pancakes stuffed with fruit, chocolate and whipped cream were the most delicious dessert.
That evening, we visited the Louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa.
Thursday, April 17, was our last full day in France. We saw the incredibly artistic stained glass windows depicting Biblical stories at Saint Chappelle. Saint Chappelle, a church built by King Louis IX, used to house the crown of thorns before parts of it were destroyed during the French Revolution. Now the remains of the crown of thorns are housed in Notre Dame.
Afterwards, we went to see the beautiful church of Sacre Coeur. For the remainder of the afternoon we visited the famed Champs Elysees, the high-end shopping district of Paris. Sadly, the next day, we left on an early morning flight to return home.
I think that everyone who went will agree that this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. The food, laid-back attitude, sights and French atmosphere provided a unique cultural experience that made for a wonderful trip.
Ce voyage etait une vacances fantastiques!
Elizabeth Latanyshyn is a junior at Tyburn Academy.
----------------
I absolutely love seeing new places and learning new things. Going to Europe had been my biggest dream for years so I jumped at the chance when I heard my school was planning a trip to France. It was my first time in Europe and my first time on a plane. I had the time of life.
We spent three days in Lourdes and three days in Paris. There were so many wonderful sites we saw that I wish I could write about them all. However I will limit myself to one - my visit to the Sacre Couer in Paris.
It was planned that we visit the Sacre Couer the last day we were in Paris. I was sad we were at last leaving France, but I wanted to make the most of our last day there. So I was very happy to hear we were to visit the Sacre Couer.
Although I knew it was a church located on top of a hill, there was very little else I knew about it. When we got there, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more than just some church on a hill. By the time we reached the top, it seemed more like a cliff-like mountain top to me.
In order to get to the top, we had to climb up hundreds of steps. As we climbed, we could see the church in the distance high above us looking tall and majestic. As we approached the top, it became clear to me that I really was up high #) for the wind was blowing hard. I had heard that you could see Paris from up there, but I didn't realize just how wonderful the view is. As I looked out over the hazy city, I could see all of Paris for miles around. It was picture perfect, and I was very happy I had attempted the climb up to see it.
As our group was having our picture taken on the steps facing in front of the Sacre Couer, I couldn't help but notice a white statue down at the foot of the steps. Curious, I took a closer look and was startled to see that the statue was slowly moving back and forth as if it were alive. I brought it to the attention of every one else in my group.
“It's the mime of Sacre Couer,” they told me excitedly on our way down to see him. Once there, I found that it was a real man totally covered in white. He looked just like Jacob Marley from Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” and I gazed in fascination at the spectacle before me. At his feet where he stood on the pedestal was a small bowl for money. If you put some change in, the mime would bend down and kiss your hand. Of course I wanted to do it, so I put some coins in the bowl and held out my hand for him to take. As he bent down to kiss it, his face contorted in such a way so that I felt like a real ghost was towering above me staring me in the face. It was actually frightening.
Although I took a picture of the outside of the Sacre Couer, it was forbidden to take pictures inside the church because of Perpetual Adoration. I wasn't expecting what I found as I entered. The church was gorgeous with the most magnificent high altar I had ever seen. With mosaics and stained glass behind the huge bright gold monstrance, one could tell this was indeed God's house. As I knelt there transfixed, something totally unexpected happened: about 15 nuns in full Dominican habit came processing single file in their allotted stalls that were located in a semi-circle around the altar. Then they began singing the Divine Office, and as they did, they went through a series of gestures. At the appropriate times they would stand, sometimes they would bow their heads in reverence, other times they would kneel. It was truly the most beautiful thing I had ever seen or heard. As they sang the Regina Coeli, I thanked God for allowing me to experience something as heavenly as this. For here, this was truly a place where heaven and earth meet.
This was only one of the numerous beautiful churches I visited on my trip. Seeing these beautiful houses of God - so ancient and yet so famous - gave me a feeling I'll never forget. Their history truly came alive for me. It's something I will treasure always and I'm very thankful that God allowed me to be a part of this wonderful trip.
Rose Castilano is a student at Tyburn Academy.
Now, the grotto is not just some little shrine. It's almost like a giant park. To get into the grotto, we passed through St. Joseph's gates, walked down a path and then came into a large opening called the Domain, with different paths leading to churches and chapels, the confession building which offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation in almost every language on earth, the adoration chapel and the actual grotto, where the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to St. Bernadette.
On the way to the shrine, there were spouts where people can fill up bottles with the miraculous water from the spring. The actual shrine is carved into the side of a large cliff, on top of which a church is built. One can actually walk through and touch the sides of the grotto where the Blessed Virgin appeared and see the spot where Bernadette dug for a spring.
The sight of the shrine is breath-taking.
The atmosphere there is just so peaceful; the strangest thing is that when people walk up to see the shrine, they are silenced. It's not because someone tells them to be quiet, but because they are at such peace, that they don't feel like talking, they feel like contemplating or praying.
Beyond the shrine is a pathway that leads to the baths, where one can be bathed in the miraculous water. On the pathway are rows and rows of candles, where people can purchase candles to make intentions for loved ones.
Later that same night, part of the group attended a nighttime rosary procession. Thousands were there, walking around saying the rosary while carrying lit candles.
The next day, was just as busy. We went to St. Cosmos chapel, where Mass was said by a missionary priest from South Africa. After Mass, we went to say the Stations of the Cross in the mountains, where we had to hike to see each station. We then went on a three-hour tour of the village of Lourdes to learn about the life of St. Bernadette.
For those who don't know who Bernadette is, I am referring to St. Bernadette Soubirous. She was a poor 14-year-old girl living in Lourdes during the 1860s. One day, while gathering firewood at a dump called Massiebelle, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her and asked her to say the rosary with her. Bernadette didn't know it was the Blessed Virgin who had appeared to her; she told her parents that it was “the most beautiful lady she had ever seen.” The beautiful lady asked Bernadette to return 18 more times. No one would believe in Bernadette and thought she was crazy. During one of her last apparitions, Mary told Bernadette to dig in the mud for a spring. No one saw the spring, but a few days later water began to flow from the spot in the ground and the crippled and sick who drank and bathed in the water were healed.
Mary later told Bernadette that she was the Immaculate Conception, and because of this and the miraculous waters, a shrine and chapel were built to honor her.
To this day, more than 6 million pilgrims visit Lourdes every year to visit the shrine and drink the water.
Our tour guide explained to us that Pope Benedict XVI issued a plenary indulgence if you went on the “Jubilee Way.” This consisted of going to confession, receiving Holy Eucharist, praying for the Holy Father's intentions and visiting four of the places most important in Bernadette's life. We visited the parish church where the baptismal font in which Bernadette was baptized, the “cachot” or old prison-house where Bernadette's family lived in squalid conditions during the time of the apparitions, the hospital where Bernadette cared for the sick and the grotto where Mary appeared to her.
Later, we visited the baths. The baths are gender-separated and each person goes into a room, where they pray and are submerged into a giant basin filled with the miraculous water. One of everyone's favorite sights that day was visiting Charlemagne's castle, which is located right on the outskirts of Lourdes. The fort is huge and gives a fantastic view of the whole town. It was amazing to think that we were standing in the fort of one of history's greatest kings.
We left Lourdes Tuesday, April 15, to take a six-hour train ride to Paris. For many, it was their first ride in a train. Upon arriving, we took a bus-tour of the city. We saw many of the famous sights: Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the church where Napoleon was buried, the Louvre and the famous French opera house where the “phantom of the opera” lives. That night, we went to see the Eiffel Tower. It was beautiful; all lit up, and the view of Paris was amazing.
Wednesday, April 16, we awoke early and went to Mass at Notre Dame, the same church in which Napoleon crowned himself emperor in France, and also the same church on which the famous Disney movie is based. Afterward we walked through the city to see the Rue de Bac, where there is a church containing the incorrupt body of St. Catherine de Laboure and the heart of St. Vincent de Paul.
Paris is the city if you like to eat! Everyone had quite the culinary experience eating escargot, pate, onion soup, duck, omelets, croque monsieurs (French ham and cheese sandwiches) and all of the delicious eclairs, croissants, tarts and pastries. Later that day, we took the Metro, which is probably the easiest and most efficient way to get around the city, to Creperie Henri, a small crepe stand in the heart of Paris. Crepe stands in France are like hot dog stands in New York City #) they are everywhere! Everyone agreed that these sweet, thin pancakes stuffed with fruit, chocolate and whipped cream were the most delicious dessert.
That evening, we visited the Louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa.
Thursday, April 17, was our last full day in France. We saw the incredibly artistic stained glass windows depicting Biblical stories at Saint Chappelle. Saint Chappelle, a church built by King Louis IX, used to house the crown of thorns before parts of it were destroyed during the French Revolution. Now the remains of the crown of thorns are housed in Notre Dame.
Afterwards, we went to see the beautiful church of Sacre Coeur. For the remainder of the afternoon we visited the famed Champs Elysees, the high-end shopping district of Paris. Sadly, the next day, we left on an early morning flight to return home.
I think that everyone who went will agree that this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. The food, laid-back attitude, sights and French atmosphere provided a unique cultural experience that made for a wonderful trip.
Ce voyage etait une vacances fantastiques!
Elizabeth Latanyshyn is a junior at Tyburn Academy.
----------------
I absolutely love seeing new places and learning new things. Going to Europe had been my biggest dream for years so I jumped at the chance when I heard my school was planning a trip to France. It was my first time in Europe and my first time on a plane. I had the time of life.
We spent three days in Lourdes and three days in Paris. There were so many wonderful sites we saw that I wish I could write about them all. However I will limit myself to one - my visit to the Sacre Couer in Paris.
It was planned that we visit the Sacre Couer the last day we were in Paris. I was sad we were at last leaving France, but I wanted to make the most of our last day there. So I was very happy to hear we were to visit the Sacre Couer.
Although I knew it was a church located on top of a hill, there was very little else I knew about it. When we got there, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more than just some church on a hill. By the time we reached the top, it seemed more like a cliff-like mountain top to me.
In order to get to the top, we had to climb up hundreds of steps. As we climbed, we could see the church in the distance high above us looking tall and majestic. As we approached the top, it became clear to me that I really was up high #) for the wind was blowing hard. I had heard that you could see Paris from up there, but I didn't realize just how wonderful the view is. As I looked out over the hazy city, I could see all of Paris for miles around. It was picture perfect, and I was very happy I had attempted the climb up to see it.
As our group was having our picture taken on the steps facing in front of the Sacre Couer, I couldn't help but notice a white statue down at the foot of the steps. Curious, I took a closer look and was startled to see that the statue was slowly moving back and forth as if it were alive. I brought it to the attention of every one else in my group.
“It's the mime of Sacre Couer,” they told me excitedly on our way down to see him. Once there, I found that it was a real man totally covered in white. He looked just like Jacob Marley from Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” and I gazed in fascination at the spectacle before me. At his feet where he stood on the pedestal was a small bowl for money. If you put some change in, the mime would bend down and kiss your hand. Of course I wanted to do it, so I put some coins in the bowl and held out my hand for him to take. As he bent down to kiss it, his face contorted in such a way so that I felt like a real ghost was towering above me staring me in the face. It was actually frightening.
Although I took a picture of the outside of the Sacre Couer, it was forbidden to take pictures inside the church because of Perpetual Adoration. I wasn't expecting what I found as I entered. The church was gorgeous with the most magnificent high altar I had ever seen. With mosaics and stained glass behind the huge bright gold monstrance, one could tell this was indeed God's house. As I knelt there transfixed, something totally unexpected happened: about 15 nuns in full Dominican habit came processing single file in their allotted stalls that were located in a semi-circle around the altar. Then they began singing the Divine Office, and as they did, they went through a series of gestures. At the appropriate times they would stand, sometimes they would bow their heads in reverence, other times they would kneel. It was truly the most beautiful thing I had ever seen or heard. As they sang the Regina Coeli, I thanked God for allowing me to experience something as heavenly as this. For here, this was truly a place where heaven and earth meet.
This was only one of the numerous beautiful churches I visited on my trip. Seeing these beautiful houses of God - so ancient and yet so famous - gave me a feeling I'll never forget. Their history truly came alive for me. It's something I will treasure always and I'm very thankful that God allowed me to be a part of this wonderful trip.
Rose Castilano is a student at Tyburn Academy.
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