Southern Nebraska Register
Overwhelmed by grace” are the words two Marian Sisters chose to describe their experience of traveling to Lourdes, France, with the North American Volunteers Oct. 10-17.
Ever since the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette in the holy grotto of Lourdes in 1858, pilgrims have traveled there, seeking healing from the Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. As many as 6 million people visit Lourdes each year to pray and to touch, bathe in and drink from the spring water that flows under the grotto where the apparitions of the Virgin first took place. More than 7,000 cures have been attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, with 72 officially recognized by the Catholic Church, after extensive investigation.
Sister Joan Kolbe and Sister Faustina of the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln traveled with more than 250 pilgrims from all over the United States, who were seeking healing of mind, body and soul. They both work as nurses in Lincoln – Sister Joan Kolbe at Holy Family Clinic and Sister Faustina at CHI Health Nebraska Heart Hospital, so they went on the pilgrimage to care for sick pilgrims seeking healing.
Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, priests and other volunteers made the arduous journey of international travel to Lourdes possible for many pilgrims with cancer, ALS, post-stroke, heart failure and other advanced health conditions. Their work was organized by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers.
“Travel was challenging but so worth it to be with our Blessed Mother in such a holy and intimate place,” Sister Faustina said.
They stayed at the Accueil de Notre Dame, a hospital-like facility on the grotto grounds for pilgrims. Each day they participated in different activities on the grounds which gather thousands each day: evening rosary procession, Eucharistic procession, Mass, praying the rosary in the grotto, and walking the Footsteps of St. Bernadette.
Although they were there to serve, and Sister Faustina said, “the pilgrims are the VIPs in Lourdes,” the Sisters also had their own opportunity to bathe in the Piscines, the holy baths of Lourdes.
“Witnessing the faith of the pilgrims traveling so far seeking our Lord and Blessed Mother’s love and healing was inspiring and led each of us closer to Christ,” she said. “It is powerful to witness everyone giving them so much love, and the dignity they deserve.” “Mary’s love is so palpable in Lourdes and to receive her love and witness the pilgrims receive her love was so impactful for my own heart,” Sister Faustina added.
She described how it was hot and uncomfortable for many of the pilgrims while waiting for the Eucharistic procession, and the medical staff was focused on keeping the pilgrims safe.
“Later, kneeling before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, my heart was so convicted that all of this is worth it,” she said. “All of the difficulties we have encountered are worth it to be present before Him in the Eucharist, to Praise Him and receive His love.”
Sister Joan Kolbe agreed.
“During our week in Lourdes, I learned from our Blessed Mother how great her love is for all of her children, and the need in every person’s heart to seek the refuge and consolation of her Immaculate Heart,” she said.
The North American Lourdes Volunteers organization travels to Lourdes three times each year, taking pilgrims seeking healing. Those interested in traveling to Lourdes, either seeking healing or as a medical volunteer, may visit https://lourdesvolunteers.org.
