THE FINAL CHAPTER : A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY (Sept 2009 to Jan 2010)
At the Grotto of Our Immaculate Conception, in Lourdes
Daniel (14+ years old) (Tuesday 22/9/2009)
Day 13 in Lourdes
NOVENA DAY 5
We stayed at the grotto to say our rosaries, light candles, and spend some quiet time in deep reflection. Dad wheeled You right up to "touch the rocks" where Our Lady was standing.
Pilgrims young and old, would queue up daily in a long line just to process through the grotto, and it is traditional to touch the rocks, all along the queue right up to directly under the spot where the apparitions of Our Lady had taken place in 1858.
It was easy, we found to communicate out heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Blessed Mother, because ... well, because She was just standing - right there.
It was during our daily presence at the sanctuary that You, Dad and Mom gradually developed a deeper and a more intimate relationsip with the Mother of God.
About an hour later, we slowly made our way back to the hotel. Dad and You went to the room to take a rest, while Mom decided to go to the bookstore.
There were may books about Our Lady of Lourdes and Bernadette Soubirous, the 14 year old pheasant girl who was blessed to see the apparition of "a beautiful lady" eighteen times in a period of five months in the year 1858.
When Mom first mentioned about Bernadette, and that she was 14 years old when Mother Mary appeared to her, You had exclaimed excitedly,
"Hey Mom, I'm 14 years old too!"
Like as if You were at that privilege age. The age where You were supposed to have a very special connection with Our Lady, Mom thought quietly.
Your mother replied without hesitation,
"And that's why Mother Mary loves You so much!"
