Lourdes Pilgrimage - Day 1
Annnnnnd... we're off!
It’s day one of our journey as I type this in the International Terminal at LAX.
We’re grateful for the Order of Malta making this possible. They’re not only paying for the cost of Amelia’s trip, but also organizing every aspect of the visit. We don’t have to do anything but show up. So far, everything has been organized with military precision, which shouldn’t be surprising, since “Knights of Malta” isn’t a metaphor. They were literally knights a thousand years ago.
We’re particularly grateful for April Costigan, a Dame of Malta who has three kids at Kirrily’s school. When she heard about Amelia’s MLD, she reached out to the organization to see if there was room for Amelia on their annual trip to Malta.
The number of travelers is constantly in flux, as some people have to drop out for obvious and sad reasons. There happened to be enough spots for the three of us, so we were approved! Less than a week ago, we weren’t even aware of this particular trip, but we already feel very welcomed by everyone.
The order has chartered a flight for this trip, so all 300(ish) of use get to fly directly into Lourdes. It’s going to be 12 hours, which of course Amelia has done a few times, visiting the Pierson side of the family in New Zealand.
Still, give us a pray for safe travels, along with everyone on the trip. And if you’re so inclined, here’s a prayer for the first day of St. Bernadette’s Novena:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
O Most Holy Mother of my Jesus, you who saw and felt the extreme desolation of your dear Son, help me in my own time of desolation.
And you saints of Heaven, who have passed through this trial, have pity on those who are suffering it now and pray that we be given the grace to be faithful until death.
And in a particular way, dear St. Bernadette, we ask for your intercession for the intentions on our heart, especially curing Amelia of metachromatic leukodystrophy.
St. Bernadette, you suffered from physical illness throughout your life. You said, “It is so good, so sweet, and above all, so beneficial to suffer.” Your simple faith helped lead to the healing of so many. But you did not receive physical healing yourself. When you were asked why, your response was, “You see, my business is to be ill.” Grant me your simplicity to understand the value of suffering in my own life.
Jesus, grow in me, in my heart, in my spirit, in my imagination, and in my senses, by your modesty, your purity, your humility, your zeal, and your love. Grow with your grace, your light, your peace. Grow despite my resistance and my pride. Grow as you did at Nazareth before God and before men, for the glory of your Father.