Pope John Paul II returns to Lourdes as a pilgrim

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
22 August 2004

Pope John Paul II returns to Lourdes as a pilgrim

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Pope John Paul II returns to Lourdes as a pilgrim

LOURDES MASS: Pope John Paul II gives a disabled man communion during an open air Mass at Lourdes on August 15.

Like the six million others who go to Lourdes annually, Pope John Paul II returned to the Marian shrine last weekend as a pilgrim, 21 years after his first visit there as Pope.

“In my apostolic ministry, I have always had great confidence in the offering, prayer and sacrifice of those who suffer,” the Pope said in the text of a message delivered at the Grotto of Massabielle, scene of the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in 1858.

“I ask you to accompany me in this pilgrimage to present to God, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, all the intentions of the Church and of the world,” he said in the message, which was read by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, retired president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, on behalf of the 84-year-old Pontiff, who was exhausted by his trip and the welcome ceremony.

French President Jacques Chirac and representatives of the Church in France greeted the Pope at the Tarbes-Lourdes airport. From there, the Pope went to the Marian shrine.

Surrounded by sick people, he drank water from the spring, which was offered to him by the shrine’s rector.

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