Category: Faith

Catholic Traditional Latin Mass: Unveiling the Mystery of Its Popularity

Have you ever wondered why many young people travel long distances to attend a Traditional Latin Mass?

Or why do people who previously identified as nonreligious become eager to practice the faith after attending it?

You are about to unveil the mystery of the Mass, which converts non-Catholics into practicing Catholics and brings Catholics back to their faith with an eagerness to unite with the will of God. It makes attendees feel the gospel come alive in a very real and present way, while offering a type of structured worship that leads attendees to feel a greater connection with God.

In a Traditional Latin Mass, also called the Tridentine Mass, we experience our calling as Christians and give glory to God in an environment which reminds us that our individual cultures and languages are not our primary identity, but that of being children of God, created with a holy mission. We are called to provide kindness, help, love, and order in a world which promotes divisiveness, irreverence to God, and self-worship.

For a moment, we are not encouraged to highlight everything that makes us different, but focus on our union as children of God.

You are never an outsider as an attendee in the Traditional Latin Mass because one’s culture or language is irrelevant. The structure and language are the same regardless of where in the world you attend. Imagine a structure of a Mass where any child of God, regardless of cultural background, can feel a sense of belonging anywhere in the world. We all have the same missal in the same Latin language. It is similar to how basketball lovers, once they learn the basic rules, understand the game regardless of where it’s played in the world.

Although people can learn to read certain prayers in Latin, like the Our Father, it is not a requirement, since the assistant of the priest (called the acolyte) assists with responses. The prayerful participation that’s required is more internal, meaning: as long as you are internally connecting with God (made aware of His presence, meditate on His plan for you and the blessings you have received, have an intent to be or potentially be of service to Him, pray, and ask Him for guidance), you are actually participating.

Traditional Latin Mass is not for perfect people, since it is in Heaven that a soul is perfect, but it is because we are imperfect, living in a hectic world, that we need Traditional Latin Mass. Why? To better hear Our Creator, and then be that helping hand to others once we are sent out into the world.

Traditional Latin Mass provides answers to the questions that many people have regarding existence: Why am I in this world? What is my relationship with God? What can I do to feel at peace in chaotic situations? How can I better contribute to society? Where can I get any guidance? How can rules and standards to follow lead me to happiness?

A place of peace in a world filled with chaos.

Keep reading to get a glimpse of why anyone in the world may experience a connection with God, spiritually and physically, while attending a Traditional Latin Mass.

REVERENCE

It’s all about respect, respect, respect, in Traditional Latin Mass.

In the Mass, respect for God is not only ideal, but it’s a visual experience through the structure of the Mass and the attitude of the attendees, thereby creating a constant reminder for the attendees that they are in a holy place due to the real presence of God in the Tabernacle (before the Mass) and on the altar (during the Mass). The whole experience is centered on God.

Once the attention is on God, the attendees can have a peaceful meditation on their relationship with God, and consequently, God’s plan in their life.

The constant voluntary bowing to Jesus and His altar by the priest and attendees, the modest clothing, the hapiness of the children, the orderly and careful form of providing Jesus in the Eucharist during Communion as well as the priest’s constant position of facing God and His altar, are all impactful visual reminders for the attendees that they are in the presence of a Sacrifice. A Mass is the sacrifice of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, that is mystically present in the moment of Transubstantiation, meaning the substance of the bread and wine on the altar is transformed into the actual Precious Blood and Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus said it, and we know that He does not lie.

REVERENCE FOR GOD: ACCEPTING JESUS’ TEACHINGS

Jesus told the Jews in the synagogue, “I am the living bread, who descended from Heaven. If anyone eats from this bread, he shall live in eternity. And the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (John 6:51, CPDV).

Then, on the night Jesus was betrayed, while He was eating with His disciples, “Jesus took bread, and He blessed and broke and gave it to His disciples, and He said: ‘Take and eat. This is My Body.’ And taking the chalice, He gave thanks. And He gave it to them, saying: ‘Drink from this, all of you. For this is My Blood of the new covenant, which shall be shed for many as remission of sins.'” (Matthew 26:26-28, CPDV).

Therefore, the high levels of reverence incorporated into the structure of the Traditional Latin Mass allow attendees to raise their minds to the truth taught by Jesus: They are in a holy place because Jesus is present in a very real and tangible way — in Eucharistic form. Consequently, we should not behave or dress in ways that show Him a lack of respect.

This truth is hard for humans to remember when they are in an environment that denies the existence of Jesus in the Eucharist. 

For example, how can people be conscious of the truth that the Mass is the Sacrifice of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, when drums, guitars, and clapping happen as the priest processes to the altar? 

Can you imagine the holy women and the few brave believers playing drums, guitars, or clapping as Jesus carries the heavy cross, bleeding everywhere? Clapping and playing music with various instruments can be a wonderful form of bonding between humans. No one is saying it’s illicit or a sin. There is a time and place for many things, but is Crucifixion really the place to do it?

Pause in that imagery for a moment. If it horrified you, you are not alone.

Saint Pope Pius X, the humble servant and friend of Jesus Christ, expressed disapproval of such practices. He issued a liturgical document in 1903, named Tra le Sollecitudini, banning noisy-wordly instruments, indicating that music appropriate to secular entertainment, has no place in the sacred liturgy: “The employment of the piano is forbidden in Church, as is also that of noisy or frivolous instruments such as drums, cymbals, bells and the like.” (Paragraph 19). “It is strictly forbidden to have bands play in Church….” (Par. 20).

Jokes and laughter can be a wonderful form of bonding and reflection in the right scenario, but can you really imagine John, the beloved disciple, or the Virgin Mary making jokes while Jesus is nailed to the cross because of our sins? So, what message do we send God when we think that behavior is acceptable during Mass? Is a structure of a Mass that supports, encourages, and allows those kinds of behavior the best place for any human to be reminded that the Mass is the Sacrifice of Our Lord? It’s hard to lead people toward reverence for God in environments that encourage disbelief in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

High levels of reverence guide attendees to a greater union with their Creator. Reverence reminds attendees that God loves humans so much that He is willing to unite with us under the appearance of bread, so that we acquire the strength needed to abandon the vices that pull us away from Him and gain the courage to overcome every obstacle. When people attend a Traditional Latin Mass, they can feel at peace knowing that they won’t be encouraged to participate in behavior that detracts from the reverence owed to Our Lord’s Sacrifice — whether through applause, jokes, comments on sporting events, secular tones in music, or allowance of social photo opportunities on the altar of Our Lord.

The assurance of order and reverence in the Tridentine Mass leads attendees to a place of peace and deep meditation on the love of God for all of us. Peace, guidance, and courage are the rewards we receive from putting God first, and that lesson is learned from the structure of the Traditional Latin Mass. Worship is about putting God first and His Will, not about catering to the whims of the people. Inner peace is acquired from an understanding of that order.

As we all know from personal experience and choices (since we are all sinners to some degree) when humans are given a choice without guidance, most will choose the easy route; but the caveat is, that route never leads to inner peace. So it’s no surprise to any adult, that we benefit from rules that guide us towards greater union with God. The rules and expectations on the attendees about proper dress code (keeping in mind the presence of God), respecting order, and soft speech while at Church, creates an environment of calmness, peace, and respect, first to God, then to neighbor, and ultimately within ourselves.

Those tiny external expectations and rules give glory to God because they lead to a profound inner spirituality.

The fruits of the Traditional Latin Mass are evident in the behavior of the attendees. Attendees voluntarily want to show God external acts of respect, such as constant bowing when walking by Him, because of an understanding of who is before them, and their union with God is based on love and respect. Once the attendees’ minds elevate to the truth of God’s presence, they can finally relax and feel at peace, knowing that they can connect with the One who completely understands them.

Humans, deep down, crave truth, order, and respect, and we get all three within this Mass. You are provided the opportunity to worship God in an environment that contrasts with the hecticness, loudness, and self-indulgence found in the world.  

The Traditional Latin Mass is a welcoming environment of worship where people’s past behavior does not matter; it’s about embracing God’s call to conversion, openness to His plan in our lives, and working toward a life of peace, charity, and holiness. 

We all want that order and inner peace, which we are called to participate in by God.

We don’t want to hear ourselves; we want to hear Him. 

We don’t want to be told the lies we want to hear; we want to hear the truth. 

We want guidance toward a connection with God, not a show.

The world sells a life of unhappiness, but young people are ready and craving the wise guidance and peace that only God can provide.

REVERENCE FOR GOD: ORDER, RESPECT, AND CAUTION DURING HOLY COMMUNION

Holy Communion is the moment Catholics in grace (meaning they are not in a state of mortal sin — violation of the 10 Commandments) unite with their Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the most holy and joyful moment any human can experience, and whether Catholic or not, it is visually evident to any attendee, through the structure of the Mass and people’s behavior, that a holy moment is taking place.

During the Mass, those uniting with Jesus, in Eucharistic form, kneel before their Savior. Kneeling is an external act of respect and submission to God, and it is done to match the internal act of respect, which is to be in a state of grace when receiving Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Kneeling at the assigned place before the altar also helps to avoid movement of the communicant (the person uniting with Jesus), and thereby prevents an accidental, yet disrespectful, fall of Jesus onto the ground. Another way this sad outcome is prevented is through the use of a Communion paten, which is placed under the chin of the communicant and is commonly used in the Traditional Latin Mass.

The structure of the Traditional Latin Mass protects the sacredness of the moment God unites with His children to transform them into true disciples.

REVERENCE FOR GOD: PATIENCE

Another beautiful aspect of the Traditional Latin Mass is the respect given to God through the charity given to one’s neighbor during Communion.

Only a priest, as the representative of Jesus Christ, administers this holy moment of union with Jesus. The soul ready to unite with Jesus may feel at peace about kneeling before God and receiving an individual blessing from the priest right before the union occurs.

The beautiful blessing in Latin is: “Corpus Domini nostri Iesu Christi custodiat animam tuam in vitam aeternam. Amen.”

And translated into English: “May the Body of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, preserve your soul unto everlasting life. Amen.”

This holy moment is the result of the blessing from God, the structure of the Mass, and the patience of the attendees. By not rushing other people’s holy moment, each communicant can receive Holy Communion from the priest, and the Mass attendees show respect to God through the charitable virtue of patience. This charitable attitude can be taken into the week when Christians are tested, and through patience, they can glorify God. 

If you have that craving for inner peace, come and experience an environment that will help you better hear the voice of your Father and Creator. 

Let Him, who made you with a holy purpose, guide you to His Will. 

Warning: There are groups that claim to provide the Traditional Latin Mass. However, through disobedience and lack of humility (by not accepting their error), they are currently not in canonical union with the Pope. This is a warning to the readers to not fall into the trap of going to one of the parishes of these men who don’t practice the order and obedience needed to follow God, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Below is a suggestion of two groups of priests who provide the Traditional Latin Mass and are fully in communion with the Pope:

1) Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (“FSSP”) & their locations:

www.fssp.com/locations/

2) Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (“ICKSP”) & their locations:

http://www.institute-christ-king.org/#locations

El regalo de la paz

 Una peregrinación nos puede ayudar a ser humanos que proyectan paz  

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado qué podrías hacer para disminuir la agitación que sientes?

¿O para que los pensamientos alborotados paren?

No eres el unico.

Y posiblemente esta realidad no sea una sorpresa ya que has notado una gran agitación en otras personas, como las que conoces bien, interactúas en el trabajo e incluso las quien apenas conoces.

Es fácil caer en el hábito de culpar esa sensación incómoda en nuestro entorno: el lugar donde vivimos, el estrés del trabajo o la falta de trabajo, las opiniones opuestas a las nuestras de ciertos miembros de familia, las personalidades que consideramos ‘difíciles’ de estar cerca, las personas que conducen de manera diferente a nosotros, la lista no tiene fin.

De repente, podría surgir el pensamiento: Si pudiera irme por una semana, tener un momento de tranquilidad, escapar de este lugar/persona/problema con el que estoy lidiando, me sentiría mucho mejor.

Muchos eligen irse de vacaciones para escapar esa inquietud interna, con la esperanza de regresar renovados. La anticipación de esas vacaciones puede incluso crear una ilusión de felicidad.

Pero ¿qué pasó después? Después de esas vacaciones o ese fin de semana de descanso, ¿encontraste paz? ¿O te diste cuenta de que otra cosa te causó inquietud? Entonces, cabe preguntarse: ¿no será que la solución está en aceptar que al menos que haya un cambio interior en nosotros no podremos escapar la agitación?

 ¿Por qué una peregrinación es el comienzo de un camino de sanación y paz? 

Si las supuestas ‘vacaciones perfectas’ no te han traído paz, ¿por qué no pruebas una peregrinación? No un viaje para satisfacer las exigencias egocéntricas que nunca se cumplen, sino una peregrinación, un viaje tranquilo a un lugar sagrado, con la intención de conectarte con Dios, la comunidad y Su plan para tu vida. Así, iniciando un camino hacia la paz, no hacia situaciones perfectas, sino, hacia la paz.

La verdadera paz es fuerte y solida porque no puede ser interrumpida por el caos en el mundo que estamos llamados a enfrentar. La paz interior no se encuentra buscando el momento perfecto que nunca llegará en la prueba, que es nuestra vida terrenal. Al contrario, una paz solida se va desarrollando cuando nos ponemos de meta estar presente y atentos a las necesidades de las personas que Dios nos pone en la vida, con el objetivo de brindarles esperanza y soluciones a las dificultades diarias de su vida.

Así que, si te interesa ser parte de este camino de esperanza, permíteme compartirte una pequeña perspectiva. Una peregrinación no es un viaje en el que te conviertes en turista e intentas visitar tantos lugares como sea posible; se trata de analizar el tiempo que se te ha concedido, durante este descanso de responsabilidades, para elegir un viaje de calidad, no de cantidad. Por lo tanto, los lugares que visitas dependen del tiempo disponible y de las responsabilidades que tienes en el momento presente. Muchas veces, visitar menos lugares puede crear una experiencia más valiosa, ya que ayuda a los peregrinos tener el tiempo en un lugar sagrado para concentrarse en evaluar su comportamiento, su conexión con Dios y una interacción sana con los demás, ya sean personas cercanas en su vida o con quienes tendrán un breve encuentro en el futuro.

Los peregrinos se benefician al tener un momento tranquilo para la oración individual, es decir, conversaciones internas con Dios para solicitar guía, fortaleza, sabiduría en las luchas y un autoanálisis sincero que conduzca a un cambio positivo.

Procesión del Rosario con antorchas en el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (Francia)

Aparte de la oración individual, una peregrinación también incluye participar en la oración comunitaria, para motivarse con otras personas que también buscan un cambio positivo que lleve a una unión pacífica con Dios, la organización spiritual y a la interacción respetuosa con los demás.

Entonces, ¿adónde se puede ir de peregrinación? Aunque existen muchos lugares sagrados, el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes servirá de ejemplo.

Lugar sagrado donde apareció la Virgen María: La Gruta en el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes https://www.lourdes-france.com/es/peregrino-por-un-dia/la-gruta/

El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, en Francia, está equipado con todo lo necesario para que un peregrino disfrute de una experiencia de peregrinación completa, sin tener que viajar a otros lugares. Además de tener tres basílicas (casas de Dios), el Santuario también ofrece a los peregrinos lugares para la oración individual (oración silenciosa) en su Capilla de Adoración. La Capilla es un lugar sereno que permite a los peregrinos conectarse mejor con Dios, reflexionar sobre las lecciones de la vida y considerar cómo colaborar mejor con el plan que Dios tiene para nuestro tiempo en la tierra. Para más información, haga clic en los enlaces.

El peregrino también puede conectarse con Dios a través de Su creación. El Santuario ofrece numerosos espacios en sus terrenos donde los peregrinos pueden conectarse con su Creador y analizar el trayecto de sus vidas. La naturaleza de Lourdes es espectacular y el Santuario cuenta con numerosas zonas de descanso alrededor del río Gave de Pau. Además, el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes tiene numerosos espacios que fomentan la conexión con Dios a través de su naturaleza. En la Gruta de Massabielle, el lugar sagrado donde Dios permitió que la Virgen María se apareciera a Santa Bernadette en el siglo XIX, puedes orar en silencio y pedirle a la Virgen María, Madre de Dios, que interceda por tí ante su Hijo, Jesús, para que El te envíe Su Espíritu y te guíe en tu camino de transformación.

¿Ya tienes ganas de estar ahí? Entonces, échale un vistazo en directo haciendole clic al enlace: https://www.lourdes-france.com/es/lourdesplus/

El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes también le ofrece a los peregrinos la oportunidad de conectarse con Dios a través de la oración comunitaria, lo que permite que los visitantes se sientan apoyados por otras personas. La oración comunitaria también actúa como recordatorio de que estamos llamados a ayudarnos mutuamente en la oración y la acción. (Mat.25: 34-37; Luke 10: 30-37; Mat. 5: 44; James 5:16-20).

En el Santuario los peregrinos pueden unirse a los numerosos rosarios que se rezan en La Gruta de Massabielle en diferentes idiomas, la famosa procesión nocturna del rosario con antorchas, la procesión Eucarística, la Santa Misa en las varias basílicas y capillas, el Vía Crucis (meditación sobre la pasión de Jesucristo para recordar Su amor por nosotros y nuestro llamado a unir nuestros sufrimientos al de Jesus, para darles propósito y fruto, como la conversión de los demás y la nuestra), ofrecerse como voluntarios para ayudar a los enfermos (oración activa) y mucho más.

Via Crucis (Camino de la Cruz) en el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes – Francia

Si decides tener esta experiencia, no te olvides de participar en la confesión (que se ofrece en diferentes idiomas), el gesto del agua solicitado por la Virgen María (recomendado hacer después de la confesión – para lavarse en forma física y espiritual) y la Santa Misa (con varias locaciones, horarios e idiomas disponibles dentro del Santuario).

Para más información sobre las actividades del Santuario y todo lo que ofrecen, entra al centro de información, donde encontrará personal disponible que atiende a los peregrinos en varios idiomas. Aparte de lo sagrado que siempre es gratis (como la Santa Misa, la Confesión, el gesto del agua, el Via Crucis, peregrinación Eucharistica y del rosario), todas las siguientes actividades que ofrece el Santuario son gratuitas: la película que explica el mensaje de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (transmitido en diferentes idiomas), la peregrinación, guiada a pie, por los lugares que tuvieron un impacto en la vida de Santa Bernadette y su familia (la santa a quien la Virgen María transmitió el mensaje de conversión y la necesidad de orar por los demás – si deseas más información sobre las apariciones, haz clic en el enlace), mapas, el Museo de los Milagros (observa cómo Dios ha actuado en la vida de otras personas para que sean una luz para los demás), el Camino del Jubileo y las intenciones de oración.

El Santuario también es accesible y acogedor para peregrinos que tienen diferentes disabilidades: https://www.lourdes-france.com/es/lourdes-un-sanctuaire-accessible-a-tous/

Al invertir en una experiencia de cambio de vida, puedes comenzar el trayecto de sanación diciendole ‘sí’ al llamado de Dios en tu vida.

Coopera con el plan de Dios llevando esperanza y paz a los demás, no solo en la organización caritativa en la que planeas voluntariar los fines de semana, sino también en tu vida cotidiana. ¿Cómo podrías llevar esperanza y luz a las preocupaciones del día a día del prójimo? Hay momentos que solo requieren una simple sonrisa; otras veces, evitar hacer comentarios, o simplemente estando presente al escuchar el problema del prójimo. A veces, incluso, un poco de humor puede ser un acto de esperanza y caridad (amor) para alguien que lleva una cruz pesada. 

Ser un verdadero peregrino significa llevar tu peregrinación a casa compartiendo tu experiencia con otros, conocidos y desconocidos, no con palabras que molestan a muchos, sino con acciones de amor y compasión.

Y con el paso del tiempo, en nuestra peregrinación diaria en casa, con la gracia de Dios, podemos ser transformados en instrumentos de paz. Después de poco tiempo, imagínense el tipo de vecinos, amigos, líderes, trabajadores y miembros de la comunidad que podríamos ser. Las interacciones diarias con el prójimo nos traerían paz al traer paz a los demás.

Mi nuevo objetivo es traer esperanza y soluciones al caos impredecible de la vida.

¿Vas a dejarte ser transformado en un regalo de paz?

Sana a través de ser una luz en la vida de otras personas.

Descargo de responsabilidad: Las sugerencias compartidas en este artículo y/o sitio web no sustituyen la atención psicológica o psiquiátrica profesional, ni son una promesa de curación. Si usted está experimentando una crisis de salud mental, por favor contacte a un profesional o servicios de emergencia inmediatamente. NO ES UN CONSEJO MÉDICO, MENTAL O DE SALUD: No soy, ni me hago pasar por médico/doctor, enfermero, asistente médico, enfermero de práctica avanzada, o cualquier otro profesional médico (“Proveedor Médico”), psiquiatra, psicólogo, terapeuta, consejero, o trabajador social (“Proveedor de Salud Mental”), dietista registrado o nutricionista licenciado, o miembro del clero. RESPONSABILIDAD PERSONAL: Usted reconoce que está participando voluntariamente en el uso de mi sitio web y que usted es el único y personalmente responsable de sus elecciones, acciones y resultados, ahora y en el futuro. Usted acepta la plena responsabilidad por las consecuencias de su uso, o no uso, de cualquier información proporcionada en este sitio web (y páginas asociadas) o a través de él, y acepta utilizar su propio criterio y la debida diligencia antes de implementar cualquier idea, sugerencia o recomendación de mi sitio web (y páginas asociadas) para su vida, familia o negocio.

The Gift of Peace

One Pilgrimage Can Bring Us Closer to Becoming Humans Who Project Peace  

Have you ever asked yourself, what can you do to decrease the agitation you feel?

Or for the chaotic thoughts in your mind to stop?

You are not alone. 

And this is potentially not a surprise to you, since you’ve noticed agitation in other people whom you know well, interact with at work, and even barely know.

It’s easy to get into a pattern of blaming that uneasy feeling on our surroundings: The place you live, the stress of work or lack thereof, opposing views of family members, personalities we consider ‘difficult’ to be around, people who drive differently than we do, the list can go on.

Then the thought might enter: If only I could get away for a week, have some quiet time, escape this place/person/issue I’m dealing with, I would feel so much better.

Many can and choose to go on vacation to escape the agitation, hoping to return renewed. The anticipation of that vacation can even create an illusion of happiness and potential peace.

But what happened next? After taking that vacation or weekend ‘break,’ did you find peace? Or did you end up realizing that something else caused you agitation? Then one has to wonder, could the effective solution not be to escape our ‘problematic’ surrounding/person/issue, but in confronting the reality that unless there is a change within ourselves, there is no escaping that uneasy feeling that creeps up.

Why is a Pilgrimage the Start of a Journey Towards Healing and Peace?

If taking the approach of a ‘perfect vacation’ and the ‘perfect getaway plans’ has failed at bringing you peace, why not try the approach of a pilgrimage? Not a trip to fulfill our self-centered needs that never end up getting fulfilled, but a pilgrimage, a paced trip to a holy place, with the intent to connect with God, community, and His plan in your life, thereby starting a path towards peace, not perfect situations, but peace.

True peace is strong because it can’t be shaken by the chaotic world we are called to face. It’s not about finding the perfect moment that will never come in our time on earth; it’s about having the determination to be in the present for others, with the goal of providing hope and solutions to the daily struggles of their life. 

So if you are interested in taking this journey of hope, allow me to provide you with a little insight. A pilgrimage is not a trip where you become a tourist and attempt to reach as many places as possible; it is about analyzing the time you have been given, during this break from responsibilities, to choose a journey of quality, not quantity. Therefore, the places you visit depend on the time available and the responsibilities you have in the present moment. Many times, going to fewer places can create a richer experience, since it allows pilgrims time to focus on evaluating their behavior, their connection with God, and a healthy interaction with others, whether it be with those in your life or whom you will have a brief encounter in the future.

A pilgrim benefits from having time for individual quiet prayer, meaning internal conversations with God to request guidance, strength, wisdom in struggles, and a truthful self-analysis that leads to a positive change.

Part of a pilgrimage is also partaking in community prayer, to be energized with others who also seek a positive change that leads to a peaceful union with God, inner organization, and respectful interaction with others.

So, where can one go for a pilgrimage? Although there are many holy places, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes will be used as an example.

The Grotto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (France)
Holy place and site of the appearance of the Virgin Mary:
The Grotto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/day-pilgrims/the-grotto/

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, in France, is equipped with all the aid a pilgrim needs for a full pilgrimage experience, without needing to travel to other places. Besides having space for three Basilicas (houses of God), the Sanctuary also provides the visiting pilgrims with space for solitude prayer (quiet prayer) in its Adoration Chapel. This serene setting allows pilgrims to better connect with God, reflect on lessons learned from experiences, and consider how to cooperate with God’s plan for us. For more information, click on the embedded links.

A pilgrim can also connect with God through His creation. The Sanctuary provides for many places on its grounds where pilgrims can connect with their Creator and self-reflect: The nature in Lourdes is spectacular, and the Sanctuary has many sitting areas around the Gave de Pau river, which passes through it; also, there are many grounds, enhancing a connection with God through His nature. In the Grotto, the holy place where God allowed the Virgin Mary to appear to Saint Bernadette in the 19th century, you can silently pray and ask the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, to intercede for you before her Son, Jesus, so that He sends you His Spirit and guides you through your life journey of transformation.

Can’t wait to experience it? Then, take a look live at https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/lourdesplus/

The Sanctuary also provides pilgrims with the opportunity to connect with God through community prayer, allowing visitors to feel energized and supported by others, and as a reminder that we are called to aid each other in prayer and action. There, you can join the many rosaries prayed at the Grotto in different languages, the famous torchlight rosary-procession at night, Eucharistic procession, Mass at the several basilicas and chapels, Stations of the Cross (meditation on the passion of Jesus Christ to be reminded of His love for us and our call to unite our sufferings to His, to give them the fruitful purpose, such as the conversion of others and ourself), volunteer to help the sick (active prayer), and so much more.

Stations of the Cross (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes – France)

If you decide to also have this experience yourself, don’t forget to partake in confession (which is provided in different languages), the water gesture requested by the Virgin Mary (recommended after confession – to wash ourselves physically and spiritually), and Mass (with several locations, times, and languages available within the Sanctuary).

For more information on all the activities and everything they offer, visit their information center, where you will find helpers ready to aid pilgrims in different languages. Besides what is sacred, which is always free (such as Holy Mass, Confession, the water gesture, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic and rosary pilgrimage) the following activities that the Sanctuary offers are free: the movie explaining the message of Our Lady of Lourdes, walking guided tour of the places that affected St. Bernadette and her family (the saint to whom the Virgin Mary relayed the message of conversion and our need to pray for others – for more information about the apparitions click on the embedded link), maps, Museum of Miracles (take a look at how God has acted in other people’s lives for them to be a light for others), the Way of the Jubilee, and prayer intentions.

The Sanctuary is accessible and welcoming to pilgrims with disabilities: https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/lourdes-un-sanctuaire-accessible-a-tous/

By investing in a life-changing experience, you can start a journey of healing by saying ‘yes’ to God’s call in your life.

Cooperate with God in bringing hope and peace to others, not just in the charitable organization you plan on volunteering for on the weekends, but in your day-to-day life. How can you bring hope and light into their worrisome day? Sometimes it’s a simple smile, restriction from making a comment, connecting eye-to-eye on a ‘hectic’ day as a silent gesture that you are present and listening to them. Sometimes, even a little humor can be an act of hope and charity (love) to someone carrying a heavy cross.

Being a true pilgrim means bringing your pilgrimage home by sharing your experience with others, known and unknown, not in words that annoy most, but in actions of altruistic love.

And as time goes by, in our daily at-home pilgrimage, with the grace of God, we may be transformed into strong instruments of peace. After a short time, imagine the type of neighbors, friends, leaders, thinkers, workers, and members of the community we could become. Daily interactions in the world would bring us peace by bringing peace to others. 

My new aim is to bring hope and solutions to the unpredictable chaos of life. 

Will you allow yourself to be transformed into a gift of peace?

Heal by being a light in other people’s lives.

Disclaimer: The suggestions shared on this article and or website are not a substitute for professional psychological or psychiatric care, nor a promise of healing. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a professional or emergency services immediately. NOT MEDICAL, MENTAL, OR HEALTH ADVICE: I am not, nor am I holding myself out to be a doctor/physician, nurse, physician’s assistant, advanced practice nurse, or any other medical professional (“Medical Provider”), psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker (“Mental Health Provider”), registered dietician or licensed nutritionist, or member of the clergy. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:  You acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily in using my Website and that you are solely and personally responsible for your choices, actions and results, now and in the future. You accept full responsibility for the consequences of your use, or non-use, of any information provided on or through this Website, and you agree to use your own judgment and due diligence before implementing any idea, suggestion, or recommendation from my Website to your life, family or business.