Why go to Lourdes?

[xTx]

I agree and wonder why God doesn't simply heal people elsewhere. I do feel quite sorry for bedridden people who cannot physically travel - either to Lourdes or to secular healing places like the Mayo Clinic.

Of course God heals anywhere He likes or wants to.

A miracle from God does not mean healing - it could also mean - to me - food on the table / shelter / etc... all these God provides.

Can we go to work if we are ill? Nope. God gives us health.

Everything we have - all opportunities - are from God.

A doctor did not become a doctor by himself - God gave him the brains.

Tis my personal opinion.

 

[tadoflamb]

Please let us know how it all goes for you after you return. Thank you.

I thought about you a lot during my time at Lourdes. As I toured the grounds, surrounded by reminders of my faith, I wondered to myself how a Christian like yourself might take all this. I mean, the 1% of Catholicism you don't agree with was on full display, the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Holy Orders (we celebrated a priest's 50th jubilee while we were there) Mary crowned Queen of Heaven, the Immaculate Conception, icons commemorating the recent canonization of Saint's JPII and John XXIII, Saints, Marian apparitions, the relics of Saint Bernadette, the candles, the water, even the concept that one piece of ground could be so blessed that 5 million pilgrims a year make their way to it. I realized then, that it would be way beyond your imagination. I can't fault you, it's beyond my imagination as well. I can't explain to you, much less prove what goes on at Lourdes.

If it's any help, there's a documentary on PBS called Sacred Journeys in which one episode follows US service men and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan on their pilgrimage to Lourdes. Some of them weren't Catholic and they we're accompanied by non-Catholic pastors. Perhaps they can give your more insight from your own tradition.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sacredjourneys/content/lourdes/

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Why go to Lourdes?

I've never been to the actual town, but I've been in that area of France (unfortunately, racing on a train)..... it's beautiful! And contrary to the reputation, the French are wonderful people (who WILL speak English!) - especially in the country. France is a wonderful country to visit (but pricy - like much of Europe).




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[rnmomof7]

On another thread a Catholic poster has announced his plans to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes next month. As a non-Catholic it seems to me to be a rather pointless endeavor, unless -

1. Mary herself has taken up residence there and receives her followers and grants their petitions. or
2. This is the unique location on earth where prayers to Mary ascend to her in heaven. or
3. The history and/or architecture of the place is so attractive as to justify the time and effort expended in the pilgrimage.

I am certain there are other possible reason, as well. I would like to discuss any and all of these and their theological implications.

Rome needs the money ?

 

[bbbbbbb]

Rome needs the money ?

Of the many things that Rome actually needs, I am rather certain money is not near the top of the list.

 

[Albion]

I'd think the answer to the question is closest to #3. People are inspired by viewing places and artifacts they've heard about for years and which are supposed to be important in the history of their religion or culture, etc., whether it's Gettysburg, Canterbury Cathedral, Lourdes, or Nauvoo.

 

[patricius79]

the same question could be asked about the pool mentioned in John 5

as humans, we look at things as accidents, but God knows everything
so we should try to trust in Him

That's a good point. God's ways and places of healing are very interesting and mysterious. I would love to go to the Holy Land, or to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or to Lourdes, or to Fatima.