Pilgrims receive Year of Faith plenary indulgence

Intermountain Catholic

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Deacon Paul Graham gives the homily during a Mass in the Basilica of Saint Therese in Lisieux, France. IC photo/Christine Young

LOURDES, FRANCE — Pilgrims from throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City and Washington state received a plenary indulgence on a visit to the shrine in Lourdes, France where Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous between Feb. 11 and July 16, 1858.

Retired Monsignor Terence Moore and Deacon Paul Graham, from Saint John the Baptist Parish, also led the 31 pilgrims to shrines in Tours, Chartres, Lisieux and Paris, France from Sept. 11-21.

The Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI from Oct. 11, 2012 to Nov. 24 of this year is a "summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord," (Porta fidei 6). The pope granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who make a pilgrimage during the Year of Faith, connected with the Sacrament of Penance, the Eucharist, and prayer in accordance with the intentions of the Holy Father.

Pilgrimages to places like Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, Fatima and Lourdes are part of Catholic spirituality and have a long tradition in the history of the Church, said Msgr. Moore.

The pilgrims visited the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. They continued on to Saint Gildard Convent in Nevers, where Saint Bernadette lies incorrupt; the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours and the birthplace of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the convent where she was a cloistered Carmelite nun, and the Basilica of St. Therese; and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

"We are on a journey in this life to the eternal kingdom, the Lord’s kingdom, so when we’re on a pilgrimage, we’re traveling, which symbolizes that journey and all of the ups and downs in life," Msgr. Moore said.

The pilgrimage began with a 90-minute delay in Salt Lake City that resulted in a nine-hour delay in Paris and one less day in Lourdes.

A pilgrimage is a time to "deepen our faith when we stray and turn back like the prodigal son," said Deacon Graham. "It’s also a time to love our neighbor as ourselves."

"The pilgrimage was an affirmation of our faith, seeing places where Catholicism has been practiced for so many years," said Irene McKell, one of the pilgrims. "It was amazing to come together and pray the rosary in five languages; it was so peaceful."

The procession with over 3,000 people carrying lit candles at Lourdes was a highlight of the trip, said Rosemary Baron. "It didn’t matter in which language we were praying because we were all doing what we love to do," she said. "I also loved the times we had Mass together because that was a unifying affect for all of us who participated on this beautiful pilgrimage together."

The Lourdes grotto was spiritual for Cam Loffredo. "I couldn’t believe there was water coming out of the stones; I blessed myself with it," Loffredo said. "It really touched my heart to see Saint Bernadette; I’ve loved her since I was a little girl."

Angie Haifley brought back some Lourdes water to her friend who has health issues, she said. "It was amazing to see where these saints lived, who devoted their lives to prayer and to Christ," she said.

Mariclare Klein and Katy Thomas experienced the baths at Lourdes.

"I appreciate Katy’s determination in getting us into the baths with the long lines," said Klein, adding that she realized her healing was within. "I felt that I had a deep emotional and spiritual healing; I gained an inner strength and my outlook on life changed almost immediately after the bath. I carried those feelings with me throughout the pilgrimage."