In early September 2024, 230 Ignatian religious gathered in Lourdes. Among them were 32 Helpers from the France-Belgium province, joining numerous Jesuits and other Ignatian religious (Xavières, Sisters of the Retreat, Saint Andrew, and Saint Joseph), along with friends and young people from Jesuit institutions who came to support the more vulnerable pilgrims.
Alongside pilgrims from around the world, we embarked on this journey, following the theme “Vulnerable, let us walk towards the Kingdom.” We participated in the evening Marian procession and the international Mass, washed ourselves in the spring, and lit a candle to offer our prayer intentions.
“Vulnerable”, we walked together, listened to witnesses sharing their own vulnerabilities, and many received the sacrament of the sick.
“It was such a joy to gather as Ignatian religious: collaborators, friends, former novices, and elders! For some, it had been a long time since we last met. It was wonderful to share how we had each grown… The uniqueness of this pilgrimage was that it invited us to care for one another, whether by pushing a cart or walking alongside an older Sister. It was wonderful to see the younger ones helping the elders. At the same time, we were not there to organise anything, as we usually do, nor to reflect on serious matters or pray in the Ignatian way, but simply as pilgrims together in Lourdes, following step by step all the practices offered by the sanctuaries: the processions, the international mass, the symbolic gestures with water and light… I especially appreciated the celebration of the sick. It was beautiful and profound in its simplicity, allowing many to ask for the sacrament of the sick, and for us to experience communion with them.”
“Our pilgrimage banner read: ‘Vulnerable, walking towards the Kingdom.’ Our group represented several generations of the French-speaking Ignatian family, ranging from 16 to 102 years old! During these three days, we walked on our legs or in wheelchairs, in the rain and sunshine, feeling a bit disorientated or knowing the way well… We prayed, celebrated, and shared meals, filled with joy at reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones. “Whoever will give honour to one such little child in my name, gives honour to me” (Mark 9:37). This word of Jesus resonated in my heart as I assisted someone in need of help. She was ‘one of these little child’ and I was too, as the welcome is reciprocal. I experienced this pilgrimage with an Ignatian family as an experience of concrete fraternity, sharing who we are under the gaze of Mary. And the lasting fruit is joy.”
“After a year and a half of sick leave, going on pilgrimage to Lourdes with my sisters felt like a natural step. It is yet another stage on this journey of surrender, recognising my poverty and vulnerability. For the first time, I received the sacrament of the sick to give me the strength to continue this new life with the Lord in accordance with my abilities. I give thanks for this fraternal pilgrimage and for the abundant life that the Lord gives us each day.”