Blessings to all readers, from Lourdes

The Grotto, peaceful and prayerful at midnight - the best time to visit

Together with our daughter Aila, who has been written about elsewhere on this blog, I was privileged to be part of the Arundel & Brighton Pilgrimage to Lourdes this summer: where all Catenians, especially Crawley Circle, and blog readers were remembered in prayer.  It was a truly amazing experience and I would warmly encourage anyone and everyone to go, whether as a helper or able pilgrim (or, of course, a "VIP" as the sick or disabled are known).  The care, the consideration, the fellowship and the spirituality cannot really be described - if you can, do go and experience it for yourself.  I cannot thank enough the amazing helpers of all ages, who anticipated Aila's every need and who enabled her to have a week that was not only spiritual and healing but also great fun!

At the Lourdes Family Group
fancy dress party, Bishop
Kieran proves that a holy week
can also be a fun one!

Whilst Aila did not "pick up her mat and walk", the growth in her confidence and happiness after a very difficult year were nothing short of miraculous - thank you, Our Lady of Lourdes!  She is now in a much better place psychologically from which to tackle the autumn term, which swill see her not only back in education but at a new college, now as a wheelchair user.  We are thankful also that the building work on our disabled house adaptations is coming on apace and hopefully should be finished in about three weeks' time.  There are still expenses to be incurred with decorating and equipping the new spaces (and the newly modified old ones) but we are so very grateful to everyone who has supported us and Aila's Fund in any way and enabled this life-changing work to happen.  This includes the Crawley Catenian Circle both as an official Group and as individuals.  Thank you and God bless.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

O Holy Virgin, in the midst of your days of glory, 

do not forget the sorrows of this earth. 

Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering,

struggling against difficulties,

with their lips constantly pressed against life's bitter cup.

Have pity on those who love each other and are separated.

Have pity on our rebellious hearts.

Have pity on our weak faith.

Have pity on those we love.

Have pity on those who weep,

on those who pray,

on those who fear.

Grant hope and peace to all.

AMEN