July 24, 2013

Yesterday we drove from Cap d’Agde to Carcassone.  Our route followed the Canal Midi which is a canal that runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.  We saw barges on the Canal that you can rent for leisurely cruises on the Canal.  The route also had numerous tree lined sections.  Surprisingly the trees used were Sycamore trees.  The state tree of Indiana.  The trees give good shade.  But, we have no idea what the thought was about lining the routes with trees, but hope to find out.  At Carcassone, we visited the medieval city which is a UNESCO sight.  The Cite, as it is called, has been totally refurbished and was in excellent shape.  Unfortunately, our visit was cut short by a severe thunder storm.  But, the storm did not slow our progress toward Lourdes where we arrived in the early evening.  Lourdes was a surprise and truly amazing.  As blogged earlier, 40,000 people a day visit the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous.  We visited the Grotto where the visitation took place.  Afterwards we were amazed to see a candle light parade of thousands of pilgrims around the sight reciting the Rosary and singing songs in at least 5 or 6 languages.  The Grotto and its waters are suppose to have healing properties so many of the pilgrims had disabilities, were ill or infirm from some affliction.  The parade and reciting the Rosary and singing continued for over an hour.  We were truly impressed.  When we visited Rita’s Aunt Anne we learned how important music is to life.  When we visited Lourdes we appreciated the value of faith in our lives.  The visit to Lourdes was inspiring and humbling when you see so many disabled and ill pilgrims seeking intervention by the Virgin Mary.  To have health is truly a blessing and may be a fleeting condition so enjoy it while you can.  Today we drove to St. Emillion, one of the red wine producing areas of Bordeaux.  We stopped at our first Chateau for a wine tasting and bought three bottles.  Tonight we are staying at a vineyard in an old stone building which has been converted into a hotel.  We are excited about seeing St. Emillion tonight and having dinner.

Love Norm & Rita.

OK, so here are some pictures of Lourdes.  This place was AMAZING!!!  We were able to see this amazing “Torchlight Marian Procession” that takes place daily at 8.45 pm. It begins outside the Grotto and ends at the steps of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.   The procession is led by people bearing a replica statue of the  Virgin Mary.  What you must know is that there are THOUSANDS of people there to participate in this procession, starting with the wheelchairs, gurneys, some are being carried by others on different types of carts, and then walkers.  I am saying ALL ages, types, everything!!  Mostly everyone carries a candle with a paper shade to make the candle less likely to blow out.  The focus of this procession is the rosary.   All five decades are recited, with all twenty mysteries included,  AND this is ALL done in 10 different languages.  The Lourdes Hymn (Immaculate Mary)  is also sung, with the verses in 10 different languages.  ( Sorry to all you NON-Catholics out there, but this was truly worth while)