Each week in fourth-grade religion at St. Benedict Classical Academy, we begin by learning about our Saint of the Week. As we study each saint, I often share a personal story of how that saint has touched my life. This week’s devotion, Our Lady of Lourdes, celebrated on February 11, is connected to one of my favorite stories to share.
As a sophomore in high school, I read the article An Unexpected Miracle at Lourdes. I remember vividly sitting by myself after reading this touching article and praying, “Lord, I would love to go to Lourdes one day and serve.” That prayer quickly slipped from my mind… but God hears little prayers.
During my freshman year of college, a FOCUS missionary approached me after Mass and invited me to join her and a small group from Texas schools on a pilgrimage to Lourdes to serve at the Basilica. After raising all the money for the trip, June came, and I boarded my first plane to Europe.
I took detailed notes of all of my travels. We stayed in a large room within the Basilica walls for one week. From the moment I began preparing for this pilgrimage, I had a desire placed on my heart to attend Mass at the grotto at night. Every night there were commitments with the group, so I was unable to attend. But on our last night in Lourdes, our small group meeting was canceled. My group leader looked at me and said, “We can make it.”
We made our way to the grotto and knelt behind the benches, the stars shining down upon us. I prayed deeply for God to help me with my discernment. I went up to receive the Eucharist, and what a beautiful, unique experience it was. Mary held Jesus in her womb for nine months; He was so close to her heart. Then, centuries later, she appeared only a few feet away from where I received Jesus in the Eucharist, so close to my own heart. This deep moment will forever remain a mystery to me, filled with grace and awe.
The desire to share these stories with my students came from my family. My father would often share the stories of his four different meetings with Saint John Paul II, his three World Youth Day pilgrimages, and the time he received the Eucharist from the hands of a saint.
With the gift I received in Lourdes, I hope to inspire others to be pilgrims and travel to places that make the saints feel more tangible. As a member of our SBCA House of Faith of Saint Bernadette, I pray that Our Lady blesses our school with special grace this week.
AUTHOR: Catherine Bettinelli, Lower Elementary Teacher
