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I have called you by your name

I have called you


by your name
A Spiritual Handbook for Pilgrims
“I have called you by your name” Mission Theme and Meditations
A Spiritual Handbook for Pilgrims I have called you by your name Bishop Jacques Perrier 5
A holy name Bishop John Rawsthorne 6
In preparing for the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions in 2008, One body in Christ Perry Gildea CM 7
Jacques Perrier, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, identified twelve
She looked at me as one person
apostolic themes or missions that he considered relevant to Lourdes.
speaking to another Martine Guénard 9
He asked the Barcelona Hospitalité and HCPT (The Pilgrimage Trust)
to develop one of those themes, the Church’s mission in regard to We are all called Dr Michael McGloin 11
disabled people. Do not be afraid Bro. Michael Strode OCSO 14
In Lourdes HCPT is an umbrella name for the whole HCPT family, Building community Rev. Richard Scriven 16
including its Irish counterpart IHCPT, the American ASCPG and others. What’s in a name? Richard King 18
They specialise in taking young people and adults with disabilities to You are very special anon. per Steven McDonald 19
Lourdes in small ‘family’ groups. We were honoured to accept that
Valuing difference Nicholas King SJ 20
mission as a contribution to the life of the Sanctuaries at Lourdes.
The mission is entitled “The Church in Mission alongside People
with Disabilities”, under the patronage of Saint Bernadette who
herself experienced severe disability. Recognising that each of us is
To Celebrate and Sing
unique and created in the image of God, we and Barcelona have Note on liturgies 23
taken as our theme “I have called you by your name.” Mass for the ‘Called by Name’ theme 24
This booklet was conceived as part of our response to the mission Eucharistic Prayer for various needs and occasions 27
entrusted to us. Its authors are participating in a major international Blessing of Pilgrims 31
conference on disability, planned with the Sanctuaries under the title Liturgy of names 32
‘Valuing Difference: Disability in the Mission of the Church’, in Lourdes
Water Liturgy 35
from 14-16 November 2008 with key speakers including Jean Vanier
and Fr Timothy Radcliffe. Service of light 42
Service of reconciliation 45
The following articles and readings based on the theme are primarily
intended for adults. But much can easily be adapted and there is a Anointing of sick people 52
section at the back to use for children and young people. We hope Hymns for the Mission theme 58
that the booklet will be helpful to pilgrims and pilgrimages in preparing
their own response to the themes put before us all in preparing to
celebrate the Lourdes Jubilee Year. Other Ideas/Information
The Jubilee Way 65
Richard King
A thematic programme for a week in Lourdes 66
Ideas for exploring the theme with young people 68
Work and Mission of the HCPT family 73
Acknowledgements 78

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I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

Mission Theme I have called you by your name


In the Annunciation scene the Virgin has two names. Her parents
and Meditations had named her “Mary”. It was such a common name at the time
that writers seeking to romance the scriptures delight in not
distinguishing clearly between the various Marys mentioned there.
I have called you by your name But when the angel addresses the Virgin he doesn’t call her Mary.
For him, she is the one who is “full of grace”, and the translation
A holy name of that phrase, whether it be in French or in English, is very weak
compared to the Greek original. She is the only one to be full of
One body in Christ
grace in this manner, since she is the Immaculate Conception. But
She looked at me as one person speaking to another who is to know this, apart from God and his messenger, the angel?

We are all called In the same way, each one of us has a name which, for the present,
is hidden in God, and which we shall only fully discover at the end
Do not be afraid of our lives and of time. “To those who prove victorious I will give
a white stone – a stone with a new name written on it, known only
Building community to the man who receives it” (Revelation 2,17). In the same vein, the
first Letter of John states: ”What we are to be in the future has not
What’s in a name? yet been revealed” (1 John 3,2).

You are very special Because our true name is given to us by God, people cannot steal
it from us. In the concentration camps prisoners had their names
Valuing difference taken away from them, and were known instead by a number. But
tyrants are powerless against the name God gives us. “Each one of
us is far superior to our common humanity”, says Pascal.

God doesn’t judge on appearances. He looks into our hearts,


and in the heart of each one of us he sees an image, albeit very
deformed, of his Son. This image, even though we may seek to
destroy it, remains etched on our inner being. Even if the world
should despise us, even though we may despise ourselves, God
cannot despise us: he sees in each one of us a distant reflection of
the face of Jesus.

To live as a Christian is to strive to be worthy of that inaccessible


name which God keeps to himself – and of that image which is a
reflection of his Son, the Beloved. How, then, could he not love us?

+ Jacques Perrier
Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes (trans. Carol Chapman)

5
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

A holy name One body in Christ


I remember once somebody talking about words being ‘thick’ or Providentially one of the founding insights of HCPT was that young
‘thin’. What he meant was that for each of us some words carry a people with disabilities should stay with their helpers in hotels. This
lot of association and touch all sorts of nerves, while other words was a distinctive and formative statement. As HCPT grew, this
are relatively neutral. One immediately obvious example would be sharing element of the pilgrimage was protected by setting up small
the difference between house and home. ‘family’ units of about twenty with the necessary balance between
carers and young people. These little units quickly form into close-
If that is true of nouns in general, it is especially true of names. A lot knit communities, which share food, prayer, liturgy and fun together.
depends on whom you know with that particular name and what The young people instinctively feel they belong and are valued, as
sort of associations that person has for you. So I suspect that for do the carers. The same applies to larger adult groups.
the vast majority of Catholics the name Bernadette is a very ‘thick’
word indeed. It carries a multitude of associations and touches all It is in these family groups that the profound theology of the Body of
sorts of nerves. Whichever particular Bernadettes we know, in the Christ is realised. Each member knows that they belong, that they
background of them all is the Bernadette of Lourdes. And our own are valued, and they are encouraged to make their contribution to
Bernadettes all carry the association with her as well as who each the life of the group. In their ordinary lives people with disabilities
one of them is in their relationship with us. are often forced to seek equality of treatment. Lourdes is a place
where equality is natural. One of the significant observations St
If that is true for us with our limited sensitivity to other people, it Bernadette made about her Lady was that she “looked at me as a
is just unimaginable what each name of each individual person person.” Outside her immediate family circle this seemed to have
means to God. Every iota of our being is held and loved by God. been a new and profound experience for the little girl.
God does not need to associate any one of us with anybody else,
because each one of us is of such value to God. No one of us is In Lourdes, in the presence of a person with disabilities, we are
simply a ‘person’ to God; each one of us is this particular, special, invited to see the individual rather than focus on the disability
named person. When I was young, we used to bow our head at the or illness. It is the person who is important, and all are equally
holy name of Jesus. While the name of Jesus is almost unique, it important. A special charism of Lourdes is that it celebrates the
is still true that every name attached to any person becomes holy, unique value and dignity of every person, whatever their condition.
because it is the name of that person. We are all equally of the Body of Christ and each of us has a role to
play.
In saying this I am conscious of the way in which we relate to our
brothers and sisters with disabilities. Because of the opportunities “For by the grace given to me I bid every one of you not to think
that Lourdes gives us and because of the sensitivity it lends us of themselves more highly than they ought to think, but to think
through our close living with each other during our stay in Lourdes, with sober judgement each according to the measure of faith
we come to know and reverence each other, but especially our which God has assigned. For as in one body we have many
brothers and sisters with disabilities, in a very special way. We come members, and all the members do not have the same function,
to recognise the glory of God shining through this individual person, so we though many are one body in Christ, and individually
this Jane or John or Elizabeth, Lucy or Mark … or Bernadette. members of one another. Our gifts differ according to the grace
given to us.”
‘I have called you by your name’ … (Romans 12:3-5)
+ John Rawsthorne
Bishop of Hallam, President of HCPT

6 7
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

In Lourdes the way that people who are sick or who have
disabilities are at the forefront of every liturgy and that all is centred
She looked at me as one person
on their needs is a powerful statement to our world of everyone’s speaking to another
unique value. This is at the heart of our Christian belief that all are
equally loved and valued by God. Jesus says to us: “Love one another.” Bernadette: “You only have
to love.” Yes, but ...we don’t know how to.
On pilgrimage this can be seen especially in prayer and worship. A
key requirement of liturgy is that it encourages full, conscious and Mary and Bernadette teach us how to love one another. In Lourdes
active participation of the whole community. Liturgies which in form, we might want to contemplate the encounter between these two
music and design encourage members of the group with disabilities very different ‘young girls’, to learn from it, live it and pass it on.
to have as active a part as possible become celebrations of great Thanks to the example that the Virgin Mary has given us in the way
joy. One discovers that a common ‘gift’ of those with disability is she met Bernadette, we have all the tools we need to live beautiful
an intuitive ability to celebrate and add meaning to liturgy. Above all and real encounters. And the more we contemplate the Virgin Mary,
they add joy. the more we discover how Mary herself was of the school of Jesus.
She says and does everything like him.
In the presence of this joy one realises the truth of the Pauline
understanding of shared gifts. Those members of the Body of Bernadette said of Mary: “She looked at me as one person
Christ, who often in the eyes of society are to be pitied, have a speaking to another. She smiled at me; she addressed me as
great capacity for life and encouraging joy in others. On pilgrimage, ‘vous’.” While later the Nevers Sisters would say: “Bernadette.
a closely shared life where they experience the loving care of others Is that it?” The way someone looks at us can make us known to
creates a situation in which the commandment to love is discovered ourselves, as it can also make us feel like an object: ‘that’. It can
to be a great liberation, creating joy in those who serve. There is a either reveal us as partners in crime, fellow players, or it can make
mutuality of love, in this unique situation, which is the gift of those an object of us. ‘Things’ don’t have a name.
with disabilities.
As the Prophet Isaiah put it:
Perry Gildea CM
“Yahweh called me before I was born; from my mother’s womb,
HCPT Trust Chaplain
he has pronounced my name.”
(Isaiah 49.1)

Several times, at the instruction of her parish priest Father


Peyramale, Bernadette asked the lady her name. I know a young
offender whose life was changed the day a boy with disabilities said
to him “What is your name? You are kind, you are.” This touched
him deeply. When they met again a month later, the boy with
disabilities called the young offender by his name - a second shock
to the heart for this young, unloved boy.

Lourdes is a school unique to this world. Bernadette felt so poor


that she said:

“If the Holy Virgin could have found someone poorer than me,
she would have chosen her.”

8 9
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

For 150 years, Mary’s gaze


has been revealed through
We are all called
the smallest person, through For 150 years Lourdes has been a sanctuary for people with
people with disabilities who disability or illness. To the secular world, Lourdes is associated
today are under threat from with a search for a cure. Why do sick people go back year after
the moment they are formed in year even when they clearly fail to recover? But returning pilgrims
their mother’s womb. Is there understand that there are many kinds of healing and that everyone
anything weaker found? – those who are healthy, sick or with disabilities - requires some
spiritual support. There are many other Christian pilgrimage shrines;
In Lourdes, people with
what is it about Lourdes that makes it so special for people with
disabilities are our models, our
disability or ill-health?
guides, our inspiration. At the
age of twenty-five Guillaume, On her third Apparition, Our Lady spoke for the first time and invited
paralysed by a genetic disorder Bernadette: “Would you have the graciousness to come here for 15
and wedged in his moulded days?” Bernadette described how she felt drawn to return to the
wheelchair, said – through his Grotto. Many pilgrims feel this same draw to return to Lourdes and
voice box – to ten thousand respond to Our Lady’s call.
young people gathered in the
Pie X: “Help each other.” The first recorded miracle occurred around the time of the twelfth
Apparition. Catherine Latapie was paralysed in her right hand
That is why we so much want a large number of people to have after an accident. She washed it in the new found spring and
these encounters that will change completely their outlook, their immediately regained power and function.
hearts, their lives; where each reveals to the other that he/she is a
unique person, with a unique calling or mission, a unique name. If In all her recorded utterances Our Lady never once referred to
we discover that in Lourdes, it is so we can live it and bear witness illness or disability. Before the Apparitions had even finished,
to it wherever we live, across the five continents. Let us ponder the there were many documented and anecdotal reports of physical
Virgin Mary and Bernadette. cure. Monsignor Laurence, Bishop of Tarbes in 1858, set up a
commission to examine the Apparitions in Lourdes. It “questioned
Martine Guénard the young person, studied the facts, examined everything and
Director of OCH (Office Chrétien des personnes Handicapés) - weighed all the evidence” and decided there had been divine
Service des personnes handicapées - Lourdes intervention.

Mgr Laurence’s description of the pilgrimage in these early years


resonates with our modern experience:
“Pilgrims came from faraway districts and neighbouring countries
hurrying to the Grotto, to pray and ask favours from the
Immaculate Virgin Mary. Souls already Christian are strengthened
in virtue, people frozen into indifference have been brought back
to the practice of their religion, obstinate pilgrims are reconciled
with God after having Our Lady of Lourdes invoked in their
favour. These wonders of grace, which have a universal and
lasting character, can only have God as their author.”
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I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

Regarding the numerous cures, he wrote: “Sick try the waters of the In Lourdes everyone is equal and welcome – and for so many
Grotto, and this is not without success. Many were sick who did people, this is a new and renewing experience. In Lourdes there is a
not respond to the most stringent of treatments, and who suddenly holistic approach to health, in that there is an understanding that we
recovered their health.” must care for our physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

In these early years, Lourdes was associated very much with So a pilgrimage to Lourdes may be a genuine experience of
physical cures. The bishop set up a Medical Committee to what Christianity is really about, a sharing in the life of a Christian
investigate and authenticate reported cures. To date, all sixty-seven community that has at its core the love of God and sharing with and
“certified” cures have been of physical disability or illness. In recent caring for our fellow pilgrims. Our challenge, as pilgrims to Lourdes,
times consideration is being given to the inclusion of mental or is to bring home the gifts of the Spirit we have enjoyed there and to
psychological cures due to Our Lady’s intercession1. recreate true inclusive Christian communities twelve months a year.

So, given the infrequency of cures, what attracts “les malades” Our experience in Lourdes tells us that sharing our pilgrimage
to Lourdes, and especially what encourages them to come back journey with people with disability or sickness enriches all our lives.
time and again? The same question could be asked of able- The challenge is to facilitate (i.e: to make easy) all people to exercise
bodied people. What is so special about Lourdes and the Lourdes their call to take a full part in the life of our Church.
experience?
“Thus says the Lord who created you, who formed you:
A pilgrimage to Lourdes shares many attributes common to other Fear not for I have redeemed you;
pilgrimages. The long journey itself is an experience. It is away I have called you by your name;
from home and removed from everyday and ordinary experience. You are mine...
We travel as a group, initially as strangers from a multitude of Because you are precious in my eyes and glorious,
backgrounds and life experiences, united by a shared journey and because I love you.” 2
and a common goal. There is a programme of common spiritual
exercises. This is not our gift to people with disability – it is their right.

A unique feature of a Lourdes group is that it invariably reflects They too have been called by name.
‘normal society’ in its composition, in a way that other pilgrimages Dr Michael McGloin
may not. The pilgrimage is not confined to those who can afford Chairman of HCPT Trustees
it, nor is it for most a once-in-a-lifetime experience after years of
saving.
1
Fons Vitae – Bulletin of the Medical Bureau of Lourdes, no. 299 – July 2007
The group will contain people of varying ability – those who use a 2
Isaiah 43:1, 4
wheelchair and those who are able to run, those with great vision
and those with poor eyesight, those who can listen and those who
do not hear, those who find life a struggle and those who struggle
with life. Everyone has their place and their role.

Many returning pilgrims speak of their feeling of belonging and


being accepted, their engagement in the liturgies, their sense of
“church”, the awakening of their spiritual being. So many people
in modern society are marginalised because they are seen as
‘different’; they are less able, ill, look odd, or don’t conform.
12 13
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

make contact with him. He died unexpectedly in 1996, aged 33.


Do not be afraid
The ability to communicate is a top priority for all of us, but
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you;
especially for someone with a speech problem. That Dennis felt the
I have called you by your name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43.1)
need to abandon his hard-won Catholic heritage and seek Christian
How often in the Scriptures are we encouraged not to be afraid, community elsewhere is a lesson for us all. It is essential to break
yet how often can fear be a real obstacle in our lives. On New down the barriers of fear, embarrassment and misunderstanding
Year’s Eve 1885, the children’s author Beatrix Potter (then aged if we are to establish God’s kingdom - a real relationship and
19) described her feelings in her journal: “I am terribly afraid of the friendship with people with a disability, no matter what form that
future. Some fears will inevitably be fulfilled, and the rest is dark.” disability may take.

And this was from the gifted creator of Peter Rabbit and other And we have so much to learn from people with disabilities. In the
delightful stories, who came from a secure social background. Fear words of John Paul II on the day that Dennis met him: “We begin by
is part of our lives. Yet God urges us to trust in him. He values each imagining that we are giving to them; we end by realising that they
one of us equally, regardless of our insecurities, our failures, our have enriched us.”
disabilities. For has he not created us in his own image?
In confronting our own fears, we might well remember the beautiful
All of us can find peace and security, and so much more, in our words of M Louise Haskins in “The Gate of the Year”, quoted by
relationship with Christ our Redeemer, to whom we belong and who the late King George VI in a wartime broadcast fifty-five years after
has called us to himself in a unique friendship of love. As members Beatrix Potter reflected on her own passing into a new year:
of his Church, parts of his body, we are called to seek him as a
“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
community, helping each other on our pilgrim way.
‘Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
For many years I worked as a doctor at Chailey Heritage, a school- And he replied:
hospital in south-east England for young people with long-term ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of
disabilities. Dennis, a wheelchair user, had average intelligence but God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a
no speech, so he communicated by means of a symbol board. But known way.’
inside he was a ‘normal’ teenager, with holy pictures on one side of
his bedroom and ‘naughty’ pictures on the other. So I went forth and, finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the
night.
Quite on his own initiative, he decided to become a Catholic, And he led me toward the hills and the breaking of day in the
an objective he pursued with great determination. He was duly lone East.”
instructed and received. With the help of his teacher, he wrote to
the late Cardinal Basil Hume expressing his desire - duly fulfilled in Let us pray that, in this Jubilee Year of the Apparitions at Lourdes,
1982 during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Great Britain - to “feel the we will be given renewed confidence to “tread safely into the
Holy Father’s hand upon him”. unknown”, to recognise that each of us is uniquely called by God.
Called by name. Called to a relationship of mutual love and respect.
On leaving Chailey, Dennis was initially well supported in his faith,
but then he moved to a new home. He was well cared for, but he Bro. Michael Strode OCSO
was never integrated into his new Catholic parish. So he transferred Founder of HCPT
to a non-conformist Church, where he received a warm welcome
and felt part of their community. It was perhaps understandable that
those unfamiliar with his disability were fearful and embarrassed to
14 15
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

“Community has little to do with mutual compatibility…


Building Community Community is grounded in God, who calls us together, and not
Though it had been a significant part of the Church’s teaching in the attractiveness of people to each other… The mystery of
and mission, and more specifically its social teaching, it was only Community is precisely that it embraces all people, whatever
during the pontificate of John Paul II that the term solidarity became their individual differences may be, and allows them to live
familiar. He used it over 100 times in his documents on the social together as brothers and sisters of Christ and sons and
teaching of the Church. Solidarity can be expressed when people daughters of his heavenly Father”8.
who are disadvantaged join together so that they can be stronger
The underlying mission of HCPT and its Irish sister IHCPT reflects
in the face of injustice. Significantly he called upon those who have
the understanding of solidarity strongly expressed in the writings
much to identify with and respond to the needs of those who have
of Pope John Paul II: people joined together as one, walking the
little.
journey of life together, sharing the cloak, and enabling those who
In The Social Concerns of the Church, John Paul wrote: may need our help to experience pilgrimage, valuing and cherishing
“Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion… It is an attitude all as they are.
squarely opposed to greed and the thirst for power. Solidarity Pilgrimage in community puts flesh on our good intentions,
helps us to see the ‘other’ as our neighbour, as a helper, to makes real the baptismal call to service, the Eucharistic challenge
be made a sharer in the banquet of life to which all are equally of fellowship. The fellowship of the group is a true expression
invited by God. Solidarity is a Christian virtue which leads to a of community spoken of by Henri Nouwen. Those called into
new vision of the unity of humankind, a reflection of God’s triune fellowship within the group experience are called to embrace all
intimate life; it leads to communion”3. people and that fellowship allows us all to do so when we base
On pilgrimage the focus of any group is to nurture the skills and ourselves on Christ’s example to be “kings”9 in the Kingdom here
talents of all, encouraging every group member to give and receive on earth.
fully, to build and nurture a sense of solidarity and companionship Rev. Richard Scriven
on the journey. Companionship… with bread… one with whom you IHCPT Pilgrimage Director
would eat bread… the very word directs us to the Eucharistic table
and beyond, to the sharing and supporting that was the hallmark of
3
the early Church. That was tangible in the early Christian community Sollicitudo rei Socialis 1987 (The Social Concerns of the Church) 39-40
4
that broke bread in Corinth4. They gathered as equals - Greek or 1 Cor 11: 23ff
5
Jew, slave or free, woman or man5 - in fellowship at the table of Gal 3:28
6
the Lord. They owned everything in common, sharing with those in Act 2:44-45
need6, united heart and soul7. 7
Acts 4:32
8
Henri Nouwen: Making All Things New, page 83
In this atmosphere of fellowship, companionship and solidarity the 9
Pope John Paul II Redemptoris Hominis 21
group becomes a faithful people. Here the Word is made flesh in
our midst, here we are one body though different parts. Whether
at the Eucharistic table or at a café table, sharing an ice cream
facing the Pyrenees or a final sandwich before the return journey,
we are called to community. Sharing can only be done with another.
Sharing brings us into relationship. Breaking bread by its very nature
is the action of Community. Gathering and sharing, we become
Community.
16 17
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

What’s in a name? You are very special


“What’s in a name?” Well, rather a lot. “A rose by any other name In all the world there is nobody like you. Since the beginning of time,
would smell as sweet”, wrote William Shakespeare. Possibly, but there has never been another person like you. Nobody has your
it wouldn’t be the same. Who would rush out to buy a rose named smile, your eyes, your hands, your hair. Nobody owns your voice,
“Stinking Billy”? We each have a name that, more than anything your handwriting, your unique way of communicating with others.
else, defines us. It is our identity. Think how warmly we respond to
someone who remembers our name. We feel valued. Remember You’re special.
Zacchaeus and his joy when Jesus calls him by name. What a gift. Nobody can paint like you. Nobody has your taste for food, music,
At our baptism, if not at our birth, we are given a name. Our names dance or art. Nobody in the world sees things as you do. In all time,
are important to us but may not be unique – how many of us have there has never been anyone who laughs in exactly your way, and
had to choose a different email name, because someone got in what makes you laugh or cry or think may have a totally different
before us? But certainly there is no-one who shares your name response in another.
who has the same combination of genes, the same experiences, So - you’re special.
the same character, the same emotions, the same challenges in life,
as you. You are unique. Special. Created by God. Loved by God. You are different from any other person who has every lived in the
Called by God to reflect his image. Called to be a person in your history of the world. You are the only one in the whole world who
own right. For God has chosen us, just as we are. has your particular set of abilities. There is always someone who is
better at one thing or another. Every person is your superior in at
Isn’t that amazing? Each of us with our myriad concerns is made least one way. But nobody in the world can reach the quality of the
in the image of God. He says: “You are mine.” Different from one combination of your talents, your feelings. Through all eternity, no
another we may be, but if each of us is made by God then God one will ever love, walk, talk, think or act exactly like you.
values the differences in us. And we should do the same.
Remember - you’re special.
Our Lady understood this instinctively. She spoke to the poor,
ill, uneducated young girl Bernadette graciously and with great You are rare and in all rarity there is enormous value. You are
courtesy, as an equal. Indeed it is said that the ‘vision’ was a girl of special, and it is no accident that you are. Please realise that God
Bernadette’s own age, not a mother. made you for a special purpose. God has a job for you to do that
nobody else can do as well as you can. Out of billions of applicants,
One wonders if Our Lady ever called Bernadette by name. If so, only one is qualified. Only one has the unique and right combination
which name? She smiled at her, but not condescendingly. And of what it takes - and that one is you.
Bernadette was amazed by the respect shown to her. Incredulously,
she reported to the priests: “She looked at me as one person talks You are very special.
to another.” Every person deserves that same respect.
Anon. per Steven McDonald
And what does that mean for us? That we are called by name, and American Special Children’s Pilgrimage Group
loved by God. That for all our failings and inadequacies we are all
worthy of love and respect. Astonishing.

Richard King
HCPT Pilgrimage Director

18 19
I have called you by your name Mission Theme and Meditations

5. What the early Church had to learn


Valuing difference: what the New
The early Church had likewise to learn the importance of the ‘other’.
Testament tells us about the ‘Other’ Acts 13:1 is a very good example of this; it mentions eight names,
1. Paul on the ‘other’ one of which is a nickname, from at least four different cultures,
Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin and Greek. As a well-known pupil of the
The earliest documents that we have in the New Testament are by Jesuits said: “‘Catholic’ means ‘here comes everybody’.”
Paul. Some of the things that his encounter with Jesus taught him
were that: This subversive discovery is already there in the life of St
Bernadette. It was also present in the anonymous poet-prophet
s *ESUSWASRISEN ASTHESECRAZY#HRISTIANSHADBEENALLEGING ‘Second Isaiah’ who wrote the Scripture text adopted for our
s *ESUSWAS,ORD AND Lourdes mission alongside people with disabilities:
s 0AULSJOBWASNOWTOSAYALLTHIS NOTTOHISFELLOW *EWS BUT
to the ‘gentiles’, the non-Jews, whom he had hitherto greatly “I have called you by your name, you are mine.”
disparaged. He encouraged the people of Israel to come home to Jerusalem
Paul’s fellow-Jews regarded themselves as ‘normal’. They saw non- after their fifty years of exile. He did so by alerting them to the God
Jews, and those who were ‘unclean’ or not whole, as different - as who works through the ‘other’; he called Cyrus, who knew nothing
‘other’. But now these ‘other’ were seen to be in the image and of the God of Israel, “my Messiah.”
likeness of the God who was himself ‘other’. 6. A message the world needs to hear from us
2. Why the Church spread so rapidly We who come to Lourdes and who read the Bible also need to
This new openness to the ‘other’ may be the reason why return home, and to look up from the pages of our scripture texts to
the Church spread with such astonishing speed across the a world that cries out for acceptance as no longer labelled ‘other’
Mediterranean world in that first century. Like our culture today, it or ‘disabled’. Our task is to bring to the places where we live the
was an alienated and restless world, just ready for this message of message that we value all God’s creatures but that, for all our
openness to the ‘other’. inadequacies, our humanity is the true reflection of God’s precious
image and likeness.
3. Reflecting Jesus’ practice
Nicholas King SJ
This openness to the ‘other’ seems also to have been Jesus’ Biblical theologian/translator
practice, so Paul was only continuing what Jesus had already
started. We can look at Jesus’ attitude to women, lepers, and other
‘untouchables’. But Jesus also had to learn (see Mark 7:24-30)
about the ‘other’, in the shape of non-Jews, just as we have to
learn, and it was a woman who taught him.

4. What we learn at Lourdes


When we come for the first time to Lourdes as ‘helpers’, ‘carers’,
‘brancardiers’, ‘handmaids’ or nurses, we encounter the ‘other’ in
the shape of people ‘with disabilities’ or who are ‘sick’. And then
we realise that the people who are so labelled are simply ‘people’.

We also discover that as carers we have much to learn and receive.


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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

To Celebrate Note on Liturgies


All groups are encouraged to participate in the liturgies and acts
and Sing of worship which are central to the Sanctuaries of Lourdes. These
include the twice-weekly International Mass (or language-specific
Masses advertised each day), the Eucharistic Adoration and
Blessing of Sick People which takes place every afternoon and the
Note on liturgies
nightly Torchlight Marian Procession. But belonging to and sharing
Mass for the Mission theme the life of a smaller group allows more intimate liturgies to be
celebrated.
Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs & Occasions
Space does not allow us to show more than a few ideas, and the
Blessing of Pilgrims detail will depend on the needs of the group. Some of them could
be incorporated into a Mass, but a ‘free-standing’ liturgy will allow
Liturgy of names more opportunity to be creative, as most pilgrims will not have a
fixed idea of what the liturgy should contain.
Liturgy of water
As well as those on the following pages, groups might like to
Service of light consider these:

Service of reconciliation s -ORNINGAND%VENING0RAYER(either using the Prayer of the


Church or in a form suited to the needs of the particular group)
Anointing of sick people
s .IGHT0RAYER(similarly adapted)

s 3TATIONSOFTHE#ROSS(ideally led by several group members)


Hymns for the Mission theme:
s 3ERVICEOF#OMMITMENT"LESSINGOF(ANDS
You are mine David Haas
Music is a very important part of any liturgy. There is no room here
You have called us Bernadette Farrell to suggest more than a few songs relevant to the Mission theme.
Do not be afraid Gerald Markland Again, much will depend on the needs and resources of the group.
If there really is no ‘home-grown talent’ in the group, you could
Here I am Lord Daniel L Schutte
consider using some carefully chosen recorded music.
The Summons John L Bell & Kelvin Grove
All liturgies need careful planning so as to be truly inclusive.
One bread one body John B Foley SJ A chapel or space where those with a disability can have easy
I watch the sunrise John Glynn access to all parts of the liturgy is essential. A sanctuary or central
space which can be suitably decorated or adorned will also be
I have called you Michael Joncas
helpful. There are many opportunities for this in Lourdes beyond the
O God you search me Bernadette Farrell familiar large chapels.

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2nd Reading 1 Corinthians 12:12-31


Mass for the ‘Called by Name’ Theme
If a second reading is required, choose one or more of the following
Opening Prayer
paragraphs.
God our Father, you have called us by our names so that we may
But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of
follow your way. We pray that you will continue to touch our hearts
them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where
so that all people may come to realise how much you care for them.
would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord … Amen
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” And the head
1st Reading Isaiah 43.1-2, 4-5, 7
cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” On the contrary, those
But now, thus says Yahweh, who created you, Jacob, who formed parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and
you, Israel: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special
you by your name; you are mine. Should you pass through the honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with
sea, I will be with you; or through rivers, they will not swallow you special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special
up. Should you walk through fire, you will not be scorched and the treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and
flames will not burn you. You are precious in my eyes. You are has given greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there
honoured and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. All should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have
those who bear my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers
have formed, whom I have made. with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.

Psalm Psalm 147 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second
Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those
having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts
Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good;
of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Sing to our God, for he is loving:
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work
To him our praise is due.
miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do
The Lord builds up Jerusalem all interpret them? Be ambitious for the greater gifts.
And brings back Israel’s exiles,
And now I will show you the most excellent way.
He heals the broken-hearted,
He binds up all their wounds. Gospel Acclamation
He fixes the number of the stars;
He calls each one by its name. Alleluia, alleluia.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Our Lord is great and almighty; I have called you by your name.
His wisdom can never be measured. You are mine.
The Lord raises the lowly; Alleluia.
He humbles the wicked to the earth.

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Gospel John 20:11-18


%UCHARISTIC0RAYERFORVARIOUSNEEDS
This passage could easily be dramatised.
and occasions (C/D)
But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent
An alternative could be one of the EPs for Children.
over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated
where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the The Lord be with you And also with you
foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” Lift up your hearts We lift them up to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give him thanks
“They have taken my Lord away” she said, “and I don’t know where and praise
they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus
standing there, but she did not realise that it was Jesus. C. Jesus, Way to the Father
“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation
for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have always and everywhere to give you thanks,
carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get Father of holiness, Lord of heaven and earth.
him.” Through your eternal Word you created all things
and govern their course with infinite wisdom.
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in
Aramaic, “Rabboni” (which means Teacher). Jesus said, “Do not In the Word made flesh you have given us a mediator
who has spoken your words to us and called us to follow him.
hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead
to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your He is the way that leads to you, the truth that sets us free,
Father, to my God and your God’.” the life that makes our joy complete.
Through your Son you gather into one family
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen men and women created for the glory of your name,
the Lord.” And she told them that he had said these things to her. redeemed by the blood of the cross, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Prayer over the Gifts And so we praise your mighty deeds and join with the hosts of angels,
as they proclaim your glory without end:
These gifts of bread and wine, placed on your altar,
are symbols of our lives which we also offer you.
D. The Compassion of God
We pray that, as they become the Body and Blood of Christ,
they may also bring us closer to you. It is truly right to give you thanks, it is fitting that we offer you praise,
We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen Father of mercy, faithful God.
Post-Communion Prayer You sent Jesus Christ your Son among us as redeemer and Lord.
He was moved with compassion for the poor and powerless,
Lord, for the sick person and the sinner;
We have shared in the Body and Blood of your Son, He made himself neighbour to the oppressed.
The eternal sign of you love for all. By his words and actions he proclaimed to the world
May it be today a source of our confidence that you care for us as a father cares for his children.
that you are always with us. And so, with all the angels and saints
We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen. we sing the joyful hymn of your praise:

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Then we sing: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. and we sing: Dying you destroyed our death,
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. rising you restored our life.
Hosanna in the highest. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Blessed are you, God of holiness: And so, Father most holy,
you accompany us with love we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son,
as we journey through life. whom you led through suffering and death on the cross
Blessed too is your Son, Jesus Christ, to the glory of the resurrection
who is present among us and a place at your right hand.
and whose love gathers us together. Until Jesus, our Saviour, comes again,
As once he did for his disciples, we proclaim the work of your love,
Christ now opens the scriptures for us and we offer you the bread of life
and breaks the bread. and the cup of eternal blessing.
Great and merciful Father, we ask you: Look with favour on the offering of your Church
send down your Holy Spirit in which we show forth the paschal sacrifice of Christ
to hallow these gifts of bread and wine, entrusted to us.
that they may become for us Through the power of your Spirit of love
the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. include us now and for ever
On the eve of his passion and death, among the members of your Son,
while at table with those he loved, whose body and blood we share.
he took bread and gave you thanks:
he broke the bread, C. Jesus, Way to the Father
gave it to his disciples, and said:
Almighty Father,
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT: by our sharing in this mystery
THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU. enliven us with your spirit
When supper was ended, he took the cup; and conform us to the image of your Son.
again, he gave you thanks Strengthen the bonds of our communion
and, handing the cup to his disciples, he said: with [Benedict] our pope, [N.] our bishop,
with all bishops, priests and deacons,
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT: and all your holy people.
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT. Keep your Church alert in faith to the signs of the times
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL and eager to accept the challenge of the gospel.
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN. Open our hearts to the needs of all humanity,
so that sharing their grief and anguish,
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME. their joy and hope,
we may faithfully bring them the good news of salvation
and advance together on the way to your kingdom.

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D. The Compassion of God Blessing of Pilgrims


Lord, Blessed are you, O God,
perfect your Church in faith and love Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
together with [Benedict] our pope, [N.] our bishop, From all races on the earth you have
with all bishops, priests and deacons, chosen a people dedicated to you,
and all those your Son has gained for you. and you have called them each by name.
Your grace has moved the hearts of these,
Open our eyes to the needs of all;
your friends,
inspire us with words and deeds
to love you more deeply
to comfort those who labour and are burdened;
keep our service of others and to serve you more generously.
faithful to the example and command of Christ. We ask you to bless them, as they return to their homes and parishes,
so that they may tell of your wonderful deeds
Let your Church be a living witness and bring others close to you.
to truth and freedom, to justice and peace, We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
that all people may be lifted up
by the hope of a world made new.
May God the Lord of heaven and earth, who has so graciously called
you on this pilgrimage, continue to keep you under his protection.
Amen

Be mindful of our brothers and sisters [N. and N.], May God, who calls to himself all his scattered children in Christ
who have fallen asleep in the peace of Christ, Jesus, grant that you will be of one heart and one mind in Christ.
and all the dead whose faith only you can know. Amen
Lead them to the fullness of the resurrection.
and gladden them with the light of your face. May God, whose goodness inspires in you all that you desire and
achieve, strengthen your commitment by his blessing. Amen
When our pilgrimage on earth is complete,
welcome us into your heavenly home, And may Almighty God bless you all,
where we shall dwell with you for ever. the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

There, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,


with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Bernadette] and all the saints,
we shall praise you and give you glory
through Jesus Christ, your Son.

Through him, with him, in him,


In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
All glory and honour is yours,
Almighty Father,
For ever and ever.

And we sing: Amen.


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Gospel Reading Luke 10:17-20


Liturgy of Names
The disciples of Jesus came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even
In this liturgy we focus on the fact that God knows each one of us
the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ “Yes”, Jesus
by name, and will journey with us. All write their name on a piece of
said, “I have given you power over everything that is evil; nothing
paper beforehand. The names are collected and put into a box.
shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you;
Opening song e.g. ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

Prayer [adapted from the Sign of the Cross]


Homily
Priest In the name of the Father whose fingers formed the
universe and whose love brought me into being, Prayer (the box of names is held aloft during the prayer)
All Who shaped me in my mother’s womb and calls me
Leader God our Father, we rejoice that our names are written
tenderly by my name
in heaven. [At the beginning of this pilgrimage] we pray
Priest In the name of the Son, fully God yet also fully one of that you will:
us,
Be ahead of us
All Jesus of Nazareth, calling me his friend, making me
whole All To guide us
Priest And in the name of the Holy Spirit, the breath of life, Leader Be beside us
the spark of God within me
All To walk with us
All Who makes me what I am and what I may become
Leader Be behind us
Priest To this one God be glory
All Forever and ever. Amen All To encourage us
Leader Be beneath us
First Reading from Isaiah 43.1 All To support us
see Mass for Mission theme, p.24
Leader Be above us

Presentation of Names All To protect us


Leader This prayer we make
Priest We are precious in God’s eyes. He knows and loves
each one of us by name. As we bring our names to All In the name of Christ our Lord
the altar, we call on him to watch over and protect us.
Song ‘You Have Called Us’ as the box of names is brought
forward and presented.

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Our Father
Water Liturgy
Reading
On the famous day when Bernadette uncovered the muddy water
God knows my name. He’s found out my name. He knows all the that was to become the limpid spring of the Grotto, Our Lady asked
names my parents called me (even the middle names I keep quiet her to drink and wash in it. Full immersion at the Baths has been
about). He knows the name I like my friends to call me. How many the traditional response to that request, but it can be a daunting
people has God made since he created the world? Who could experience for some. This liturgy would fulfil Our Lady’s request
begin to count them? equally well.

But I’m not just another anonymous grain of sand on God’s big Water is one of the most important human and Christian symbols.
beach. He knows my name. He’s learned it because he’s in love Christ referred to himself as living water and source of eternal life.
with me. He wants to be with me. He wants to talk to me. He Water liturgies, which celebrate this most important symbol, are
wants to spend his life with me. Now that he’s found me he’s not profoundly fitting ways of evoking a unique aspect of the spirituality
going to let me go. He wants me to love him too. But even if I don’t of the Grotto.
he’s not going to go away.
For some years now there has been a Water Walk along the river
Thank you, God, for knowing me and loving me, even when I may Gave opposite the Grotto. This recalls significant springs or wells
not want you to. mentioned in Scripture and uses these as meditations on the
mystery of salvation and the role of water as a powerful symbol.
Song e.g. ‘O God You Search Me’ A further encouragement for making a celebration around the gift of
water, and especially the water flowing from the Grotto, is the ‘water
All Thank you, God, for knowing me
feature’ in the first Rotonde chapel on the meadow. This provides
And loving me, even when I may not want you to.
for a liturgy using flowing or living water.

Final Prayer Choose a chapel or other suitable location where the group can
be seated in a circle – or concentric circles if the numbers require.
St. Paul ended one of his letters with the words: Brothers and One or more largish and dignified bowls, containing water from the
sisters, we wish you happiness; try to grow perfect; help one Grotto spring, should be placed on a table covered with a suitable
another. Be united; live in peace, and the God of love and peace cloth, together with a candle, some flowers and a Book of the
will be with you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God Gospels.
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Consider also a dramatisation of the full story of Bernadette finding
the spring, as recalled in the HCPT prayer book and several others.
Blessing
A shorter version follows.
And so may Almighty God bless you all,
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

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Introduction Alternative Readings

Bernadette’s description of how she found the spring at the Grotto A Reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans 6:2-11

Leader You were taught that when we were baptised in Christ Jesus we
were baptised in his death; in other words, when we were baptised
“The Lady said ‘Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself in it’. we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as
Not seeing any water, I went to the river Gave. But she indicated Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might
with her finger that I should go under the rock. I found a little water, live a new life.
more like mud: so little that I could scarcely cup it in my hand. Three
times I threw it away, it was so dirty. On the fourth try I managed to [We believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with
drink it.” him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from the dead will
never die again. Death has no power over him any more. When he
The same day, in the afternoon some of the townspeople returned died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and
to the Grotto. One of them poked at the muddy pool left by in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but
Bernadette and clear spring water bubbled out of the ground, and alive for God in Christ Jesus].
has continued to do so to the present day.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God
This spring is truly a source of life. For some it has been a source of
the healing power of God’s love. For others it has been the source
of grace and a growth in faith, hope and trust in the goodness of A reading from the prophet Isaiah 41: 17-20
God, despite personal pain and suffering. For many it is a reminder The poor and the needy ask for water, and there is none,
that water is necessary for life, and that God is the source of all life. Their tongue is parched with thirst.
I, the Lord, will answer them,
A Reading from the Prophecy of Ezekiel 36: 24-28 I, the God of Israel will not abandon them.
I will make rivers well up on the barren heights,
Then I am going to take you from among the nations and gather And fountains in the midst of valleys;
you together from all the foreign countries, and bring you home to Turn the wilderness into a lake,
your own land. I shall pour clean water over you and you will be And dry ground into a water spring.
cleansed; I shall clean you from all your defilements and all your In the wilderness I will put cedar trees,
idols. I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; and Acacias, myrtles, and olives.
make you keep my laws and sincerely respect my observances. In the desert I will plant juniper,
You shall be my people and I will be your God. Plane tree and cypress side by side.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God So that all may see and know
May all observe and understand
That the hand of God has done this,
Alternative readings follow. And that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

The word of the Lord Thanks be to God

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Responsorial Psalm Reflection

R./ A pure heart create for me, O God Consider the life-giving qualities of water, and the healing power of
love as symbolised by the waters of the spring.
Psalm 50
A significant aspect of a Lourdes pilgrimage is shared activity,
A pure heart create for me, O God, whether it is walking together in shared belief in the processions or
Put a steadfast spirit within me. the other group activities. Chief among these is the way pilgrims
Do not cast me away from your presence, help each other, and each need is cared for.
Nor deprive me of your holy spirit. R./
Loving service of our neighbour is at the heart of discipleship and
Give me again the joy of your help; an essential need of the human family. It is seen in the dedication to
With a spirit of fervour sustain me, helping others in the Baths, and the devoted care given there. This
That I may teach transgressors your ways is the significance of the gospel story of the washing of feet.
And the sinner may return to you. R./

Renewal of Baptismal Promises


A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
Leader
13: 4-10, 12-15 Do you reject Satan, and all his works and all his empty promises?
Jesus got up from table, removed his outer garment and taking a All: I do
towel wrapped it round his waist. He then poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet and wipe them with the towel Do you believe in God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and
he was wearing. earth?

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to All: I do
wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘At the moment you do not know
what I am doing. But later you will understand‘. ‘Never.’ said Peter; Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
‘You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus replied, ‘If I do not wash who was born of the Virgin Mary,
you, you can have nothing in common with me.’ ‘Then, Lord,’ said was crucified, died, and was buried,
Simon Peter ‘not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.’ rose from the dead
and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
When he had washed their feet and put on his clothes again he
went back to the table. ‘Do you understand’ he said ‘what I have All: I do
done to you? You call me master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
If I, then, the Lord and master have washed your feet, you should the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
may copy what I have done to you.’ and life everlasting?
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ All: I do

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A symbolic gesture

Leader

As pilgrims in Lourdes we are responding to Mary’s invitation of


love. As a sign of our acknowledgement of the infinite tenderness of
God revealed in this place by Mary, let us wash in the water taken
from her spring, recalling the great grace of our baptism. As we do
this we open ourselves to the love of God.

Bowls of Lourdes water can be brought around the assembly for


each to dip their hands and perhaps wash their faces as an act of
faith and solidarity with all who suffer. A suitable hymn (e.g. Come
to the water) may be sung or quiet music played.

Prayers of Intercession

Blessed Mother, through your loving care we have been brought to


Lourdes to know the healing power of the love of your Son. As we
reflect on your gift of this wonderful spring to your children we pray. ‘Go and wash at the spring’

Lord Jesus we believe you are the living water which gives life. We
pray that all in the human family may learn to thirst for your Word
which will become for them the source of life. Leader

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer We have gathered in answer to the invitation of Mary, to come here
on pilgrimage. She gathers us as her beloved children to present to
For all those who seek after meaning and truth we pray us the loving mercy of Jesus her Son. She invites us to come to him
in trust, love and hope.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
And so we turn to her and pray with Bernadette:
May we in all we do and say be living signs of your love in this
world. Hail Mary full of grace…

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer Leader

Let us thank God for the gift of our own name [at baptism] and May the Lord who has given us new birth by water and the Holy
remember what that means for us and those close to us. Spirit keep us ever faithful to his love. Amen.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer A short explanation of what happens at the Baths could follow.

(If appropriate others may add their prayers.) Final song

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Service of Light Intercessions

Begin in darkness. Opening song e.g. “In our darkness” (Taizé). This could involve either 2 people for each intercession (a candle
lighter and a reader) or the same person may light the candle and
A central candle, symbol of Christ, Light of the World, will remind read the prayer for a given intercession. Or you may have several
us that Jesus is always with us. Others may be added at the readers but one candle lighter throughout.
Intercessions.

Reader In the beginning Reader 1 We light a candle for our friends and family. (pause)
The world was all empty
And everything was dark and gloomy (candle is lit and placed in central focus)
But God was there
We pray for all those we have left behind at home, and
Like the wind that blows over the sea at night
those we love. (pause)
And God said:
Loving God, help us to value our friends and our family,
‘Let there be light (light the central candle)
to cherish them as persons created by you in your own
And there was light
image.
And the light was wonderful.’
We pray to the Lord.
Prayer God of Light,
Thank you for the light of your love. All Lord hear our prayer (x 2) (Liam Lawton)
Help us to be a light to others. Lord in your mercy
Jesus says this: Lord hear our prayer
‘I am the light of the world.
Anyone who believes in me will not walk in darkness,
But will have the light of life.’ Reader 2 We light a candle for hope. (pause)
Reader One day Jesus said: (candle is lit and placed in central focus)
‘Do you light a candle
And then cover it with a bucket? We pray for all those who are suffering in our world: the
Of course you don’t. hungry, the lonely, those in despair, those who are ill
You want it to light up the whole room and all those who mourn. (pause)
So that everyone can see’. Loving God, make us bearers of hope and send your
Then Jesus said: Spirit to comfort the broken hearted.
‘If you are good We pray to the Lord.
You will be like a candle
That shines brightly for everyone to see. All Lord hear our prayer…
And if they see that you are good
Then they know that God is good.’

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

Reader 3 We light a candle for peace. (pause)


Service of Reconciliation
(candle is lit and placed in central focus)
Our Lady asked Bernadette to get the people to “come in
We pray for the many places in our world where there procession” (or one could say ‘come in pilgrimage’). She also
is conflict and division. (pause) asked that the priests should build a church and finally she asked
for “prayer for sinners” and for “penance for sins”. One of the daily
Loving God, lead us in your ways of mercy and peace. ‘miracles’ of Lourdes is the absolution of sins administered by so
many priests in the name of Christ and the Church to whom he
We pray to the Lord.
confided the power of forgiveness.
All Lord hear our prayer…
“‘That you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins’ – he said to the paralysed man – ‘get up, and pick up
Other intercessions can be added as necessary e.g. for creation, for your bed and go off home’. And the man got up and went home.”
the local community, or for those we may care to name. (Matthew 9: 6 & 7). The healing of souls or the strengthening
and consoling of souls is the ‘miracle’ of the Sacrament of
Prayer May the Lord bless us and keep us safe Reconciliation.
Throughout this night (day)
In recent times the Church has provided different rites for
In the name of the Father
the sacrament of reconciliation. There is much in Lourdes to
And of the Son
recommend a communal celebration, so that we can acknowledge
And of the Holy Spirit.
our sinfulness together and seek pardon together, to emphasise
All Amen our solidarity as those in need of salvation and the merciful love
of the Good Shepherd. It also opens our eyes to the common
Hymn e.g. Christ be our Light (Bernadette Farrell) responsibility that the whole human family has for what is evil in the
world. All that tastes of sin or evil contributes to the sinful human
condition.
A simpler alternative for the Intercessions:
Resources
The central candle is passed around the group. As each member is
A chapel or room large enough for all (especially those using
given the candle the person passing it says:
wheelchairs) to have easy access to the liturgy and to the priest-
‘[Jane] receive the Light of Christ’. confessors. Space for the confessors to sit apart from the main
group during the private moments of reconciliation.
He/she prays - aloud or in silence - as everyone else prays for them
quietly. A sanctuary or central space, suitably decorated or adorned,
which can be used for a gesture or sign of repentance or
acknowledgement of love and forgiveness.

An opening song of a penitential character and very gentle music


during ‘confessions’.

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

Greeting The Romans passage can continue if required:


In the name of the Father… [Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow.
Grace and peace be with you Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending and
from God our Father and Jesus Christ make real friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become
who loved us and washed away or sins in his blood. self-satisfied. Never repay evil with evil and let everyone see that
All And also with you you are interested only in the highest ideals. Do all you can to live
at peace with everyone. Never try to get revenge; leave that, my
Then the priest or another minister speaks briefly about the friends, to God’s anger. As scripture says: vengeance is mine – I will
importance and purpose of the celebration. pay them back, the Lord promises].

Opening Prayer The word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Brothers and sisters, God calls us to conversion;


let us therefore ask him for the grace of repentance. Psalm Psalm 24 (vv. 4-5. 8-11. 15-18)
Lord, send your Spirit among us O Lord, I trust in your merciful love
to cleanse us in the waters of repentance.
May he make of us a living sacrifice [or a sung setting e.g. ‘Here I Am’ (Ogden), ‘Remember Your
so that in every place, Mercy’ (Inwood), ‘To You, O Lord’ (Soper) or ‘I lift up my soul (To
by his life giving power You, Yahweh)’ (Manion)]
we may praise your glory
and proclaim your loving compassion. Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
For you are my saviour. R/
Liturgy of the Word The Lord is good and upright.
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans He shows the path to those who stray.
12:1-2. 9-10,14-19 He guides the humble in the right path;
He teaches his way to the poor. R/
Think of God’s mercy, my brothers and sisters, and worship him,
I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering His ways are faithfulness and love
your bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model For those who keep his covenant and will.
yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your Lord, for the sake of your name
behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way Forgive my guilt; for it is great. R/
to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that Relieve the anguish of my heart
God wants, what is the perfect thing to do. And set me free from my distress.
Do not let your love be false, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love See my affliction and toil
each other as much as brothers and sisters should and have a And take all my sins away. R/
profound respect for each other.

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

A Reading from the Gospel according to Luke (7: 36-50) A homily, based on the texts, should lead to an understanding of
the places where sin can control our lives and the life of society.
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into
the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman There are many ways in which the community can be encouraged
in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in to examine their lives or aspects of their lives. Or they can be led in
the Pharisee’s house, brought a jar of ointment. She stood behind an examination of conscience, perhaps in the following form:
him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears
and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet Litany
and anointing them with the ointment. 1. The Lord says: “You shall love the Lord your God with your
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to whole heart.”
himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who When I fail to set my heart on God, and do not love him above
and what kind of woman this is who is touching him – that she is a all things, I fail his love:
sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something
to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” “A certain creditor Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other
fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of When I forget that God has spoken through his Son: and my
them. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, faith in God and his Church is shaky:
“I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.” And Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
When my love and respect for God’s holy name is wanting, or I
Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this fail to observe his day as he would wish:
woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet,
but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not
stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but 2. Christ says: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her
sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown When I lack genuine love for family, parents, husband, wife,
great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” children and the poor:
Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were Christ have mercy Christ have mercy
at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this
man who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your When my life does not reflect my Christian commitment, so that
faith has saved you; go in peace.” I do not spread the Good News, or promote the good of the
community in which I live, nor give of my best to my work and
The Gospel of the Lord other duties:
All: Praise be to you O Christ Christ have mercy Christ have mercy

When my attitudes to authority, responsibility, truth, justice,


property, and the reputation of others is wanting:

Christ have mercy Christ have mercy

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

3. Christ our Lord says: “Be perfect as your Father is perfect.” Concluding Rite

When I lose direction in life, and I do not grow in the life of the When all have returned to their places they are invited to offer each
Spirit in prayer, or truly receive the sacraments; when I pay only other the sign of Peace:
lip service to my Christian life, and God’s word, am self indulgent
and avoid doing good to others: Let us offer each other a sign of Peace by turning to your
neighbours and saying:
Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
Rejoice in the Lord, your sins are truly forgiven
When I misuse my time, talents, health, and strength; when I am
impatient with my life and suffering or disappointment: Prayer

Lord have mercy Lord have mercy Lord Jesus Christ,


Your loving forgiveness knows no limits.
When I indulge my senses or my passions, not respecting the You took our human nature
body as the temple of the Holy Spirit; when my conscience is To give us an example of humility
formed by my own wilfulness and not by God’s word; when And to make us faithful in every trial.
I turn away from the freedom of being God’s beloved young May we never lose the gifts you have given us,
person, and allow the slavery of evil within me to direct my But if we fall into sin
thoughts, words and actions: Lift us up by your gift of repentance,
You who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen
Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
Blessing
A period for silent reflection may follow. Then the community is
asked to join in a common act of sorrow e.g.: May the Father bless us,
For he has adopted us as his children. Amen
I confess to almighty God, May the Son come to help us,
and to you, my brothers and sisters, For he has received us as sisters and brothers. Amen
that I have sinned through my own faults, May the Spirit be with us,
in my thoughts and in my words, For he has made us his dwelling place. Amen
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do:
And I ask the blessed Mary, ever virgin, Go in the peace and love of Christ.
all the angels and saints,
and you my brothers and sisters, All Thanks be to God
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Then they are invited to go to one of the priests for their individual
confession. Soft music is played.

After receiving absolution the penitent could make a physical act of


atonement. Depending on numbers, this might be dropping a stone
into a pool of water – a sign of letting go of the past; or it might be
lighting a small candle and placing it on a table already prepared –
a sign of hope for life in the future. They then return to their places.

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

Introductory Rites
Anointing of Sick People
The grace and peace of God the Father
A Liturgy of Healing
and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you
While the Eucharistic procession and devotion with the Blessing of
Sprinkling with water, using these or similar words:
sick people is one of the central liturgies celebrated every day for all
pilgrims, it is still very fitting to have a communal celebration of the Like a stream in parched land,
Sacrament of the Anointing of sick people. may the grace of Our Lord refresh our lives.
The original purpose of this sacrament as an expression of the Introduction
healing love of Christ has been restored, as has the communal
dimension of the sacrament. The restored rite is particularly suitable My dear friends, we are gathered here in the name of Our Lord
for a Lourdes pilgrimage. Jesus Christ who is present among us. The Gospels tell us how
sick people came to him for healing, and we know that he loves us
Where it is not considered appropriate to have a sacramental so much that he died for our sake.
anointing, consider a separate non-sacramental celebration, using
the oil of gladness (as opposed to Oil of the Sick blessed by a The apostle James instructs us:
Bishop) and laying-on of hands which all may receive.
“Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the
Resources priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing
them with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will
A place where the group can be arranged in a circle, or in save the sick people, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they
concentric circles with adequate room between the circles for have committed any sins, their sins will be forgive them.”
movement.
Let us therefore commend our brothers and sisters who are to be
A table or altar with candles and if possible flowers. anointed to the grace and the power of Christ, that he may save
them, and raise them up.
Oil of the Sick already blessed, or olive oil to be blessed for the
anointing. Penitential Rite
A towel for the celebrant Coming together as God’s family, let us ask the Lord’s forgiveness
with confidence, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.
A Bible or Lectionary for the readings.
Lord Jesus, you healed sick people:
If the group is large a number of priests will be required for the
Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
laying on of hands and the anointing.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners:
Suitable music
Lord have mercy Lord have mercy

Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength:


Lord have mercy Lord have mercy

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive our sins, and bring us
to everlasting life Amen

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

Liturgy of the Word Laying on of Hands

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew In silence the priest(s) lay hands on the heads of those to be
15: 29-31 anointed.

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, Liturgy of Anointing
and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds
came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, A. Prayer of thanksgiving over the Holy Oil (already blessed)
the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he Praise to you, God, the almighty Father.
cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the You sent your Son to live among us
mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind And bring us to salvation.
seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Blessed be God who heals us in Christ.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, God, the only begotten Son.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. You humbled yourself to share in our humanity
The reading may be followed by a period of silence or a homily on And you heal our infirmities.
the significance of the sacrament. Blessed be God who heals us in Christ.

Prayers of Intercession Praise to you, God, the Holy Spirit, the Consoler.
Your unfailing power gives us strength
Dear sisters and brothers let us appeal to God our loving Father for In our bodily weakness.
all those who are to be anointed with the oil of the sick. Blessed be God who heals us in Christ

Come Lord Jesus, and strengthen them through this holy anointing. B. Blessing of Oil by a priest (not already blessed)
Lord hear us Lord graciously hear us
Let us pray.
Relieve the sufferings of all those present.
Lord hear us Lord graciously hear us God of all consolation,
You chose and sent your Son to heal the world.
Free all those to be anointed from all anxiety and harm. Graciously listen to our prayer of faith:
Lord hear us Lord graciously hear us Send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler,
Into this precious oil, this soothing ointment,
Assist all those dedicated to the care of sick people, and all those This rich gift, this fruit of the earth.
who volunteer their time and their energy here in Lourdes to serve
sick people and those with disabilities. Bless this oil + and sanctify it for our use.
Lord hear us Lord graciously hear us
Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it;
Give life and health to all our brothers and sisters on whom we will Heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit,
lay our hands in you name. And deliver them from every affliction.
Lord hear us Lord graciously hear us
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God for ever and ever. Amen

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

Anointing

A suitable hymn could be sung

The priest anoints the persons on the forehead and when possible
the palms of their hands with the words:

On the forehead:

Through this holy anointing


may the Lord in his love and mercy help you
with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Amen

On the palms:

May the Lord who frees you from sin


save you and raise you up.
Amen
‘An anointing’
Concluding Prayers
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You chose to share our human nature, Loving Father,
To redeem all people, and to heal our infirmities. Your Son accepted suffering
Look with compassion upon your servants And shared in the pain of the human condition,
Whom we have anointed in your name with this holy oil May He teach us patience in the face of human weakness.
For the healing of their body and spirit. Hear our prayers for our sisters and brothers.
Support them with your power, May all who suffer pain, illness, or disease
Comfort them with your protection, Realise that they have been called to share in the sufferings of
And give them strength for the struggles of life. Christ,
And know that they are joined to Christ
Since you have given them a share in your own passion In his suffering for the salvation of the world.
Help them to find hope in suffering,
You who are Lord for ever and ever. Amen We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen

And now let us offer together the prayer our Lord Jesus Christ Blessing
taught us:
May the Lord be with you to protect you. Amen
Our Father…
May he watch over you, keep you in his care,
And bless you with his peace. Amen

May almighty God bless you,


the Father, and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

(YMNSFORTHE4HEME YOU HAVE CALLED US Bernadette Farrell

This song is also available in French, Italian and Spanish, and with actions

YOU ARE MINE David Haas You have called us by our name,
We belong to you.
I will come to you in the silence, You have called us by our name
I will lift you from all your fear. And we are yours.
You will hear my voice,
I claim you as my choice, You have chosen us to be members of your family.
Be still and know I am near. In your love you have created us to live in unity.

Do not be afraid, I am with you. You will lead us to your light, walk before us through the night.
I have called you each by name. You will guide us on our journey. You will keep our vision bright.
Come and follow me, You will hold us when we fall, give new strength to hear your call.
I will bring you home; You will never be beyond us, for your love is all in all.
I love you and you are mine.
You will nourish, you will lead, giving ev’ry gift we need,
I am hope for all who are hopeless, For your reign will be established from the smallest of all seeds.
I am eyes for all who long to see. Through our sharing here today may our faith and life convey
In the shadows of the night, Christ our light and Christ our vision, Christ our purpose, Christ our way.
I will be your light,
Come and rest in me.

I am strength for all the despairing, DO NOT BE AFRAID Gerald Markland


Healing for the ones who dwell in shame.
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free, Do not be afraid
And all will know my name. For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name.
I am the Word that leads all to freedom, You are mine.
I am the peace the world cannot give.
When you walk through the waters I’ll be with you.
I will call your name, embracing all your pain,
You will never sink beneath the waves.
Stand up, now walk, and live.
When the fire is burning all around you,
You will never be consumed by the flames.

When the fear of loneliness is looming,


Then remember I am at your side.

When you dwell in the exile of the stranger,


Remember you are precious in my eyes.
You are mine, O my young person, I am your Father,
And I love you with a perfect love.

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

HERE I AM LORD Daniel L Schutte THE SUMMONS John L Bell/ Graham Maule/Kelvin Grove

I the Lord of sea and sky, Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
I have heard my people cry. Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
All who dwell in dark and sin Will you let your love be shown, will you let my name be known,
My hand will save. Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
I who made the stars of night,
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
I will make their darkness bright.
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Who will bear my light to them?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Whom shall I send?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
I have heard you calling in the night. Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
I will go Lord, if you lead me. Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,
I will hold your people in my heart. And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?
I the Lord of snow and rain, Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
I have borne my people’s pain. Will you use the faith you’ve found, to reshape the world around,
I have wept for love of them, Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
They turn away.
Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
I will break their hearts of stone, Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
Give them hearts for love alone In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
I will speak my word to them, Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Whom shall I send?
ONE BREAD ONE BODY John B Foley SJ
I the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame. One bread, one body, one Lord of all,
I will set a feast for them, One cup of blessing which we bless;
My hand will save. And we, though many, throughout the earth,
Finest bread I will provide We are one body in this one Lord.
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
Whom shall I send? Woman or man no more.

Many the gifts, many the works,


One in the Lord of all.

Grain for the fields,


Scattered and grown,
Gathered to one, for all.

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I have called you by your name To Celebrate and Sing

I WATCH THE SUNRISE John Glynn I HAVE LOVED YOU Michael Joncas

I watch the sunrise lighting the sky, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Casting its shadow near. I have called you and you are mine. (x2)
And in the morning bright though it be,
I feel those shadows near me. Seek the face of the Lord and long for him:
He will bring you his light and his peace.
But you are always close to me
Following all my ways. Seek the face of the Lord and long for him:
May I be always close to you He will bring you his joy and his hope.
Following all your ways, Lord.
Seek the face of the Lord and long for him:
I watch the sunlight shine through the clouds, He will bring you his care and his love.
Warming the earth below.
And at the mid-day, life seems to say:
I feel your brightness near me. O GOD YOU SEARCH ME Bernadette Farrell
For you are always …
O God, you search me and you know me.
I watch the sunset fading away All my thoughts lie open to your gaze
Lighting the clouds with sleep. When I walk or lie down you are before me
And as the evening closes its eyes, Ever the maker and keeper of my days.
I feel your presence near me.
For you are always … You know my resting and my rising
You discern my purpose from afar
I watch the moonlight guarding the night And with love everlasting you besiege me.
Waiting till morning comes. In every moment of life or death you are
The air is silent, earth is at rest –
Only your peace is near me. Before a word is on my tongue, Lord,
Yes you are always … You have known its meaning through and through.
You are with me beyond my understanding;
God of my present my past and future too.

Although your Spirit is upon me,


Still I search for shelter from your light
There is nowhere on earth I can escape you;
Even the darkness is radiant in your sight.

For you created me and shaped me


Gave me life within my mother’s womb.
For the wonder of who I am I praise you
Safe in your hands all creation is made new.

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information

Other Ideas/Information The Jubilee Way


1 The Parish Church in the old town

This has the baptismal font in which Bernadette


The Jubilee Way
was baptised on the 9th January 1844. For
A thematic programme for a week in Lourdes the Christian, a pilgrimage is an opportunity to
rediscover their own baptism and to renew their
Ideas for exploring the theme with young people baptismal promises.
I am special
Rainbow 2 The Cachot on the Rue Petits-Fosses

Share a prayer In 1858 the Soubirous family were living in the


Cachot, a place of extreme poverty. We recall
God the creator
the words of the Magnificat: “He has pulled
And no two will be the same down the powerful and raised up the lowly”

Work and mission of the HCPT family 3 The Grotto


Acknowledgements If you enter the domain by St. Michael’s Gate
you will walk along the Jubilee Avenue. This 200
metre walk will help you to focus your mind and
heart on your visit to the Grotto. To the right of
the Rosary Basilica you pass under the arches to
make your way there. On each arch you will see
an image of Christ.

4 The present day Hospital (the old Hospice)

It is in the chapel of the old hospice that


Bernadette made her first Holy Communion, on
the 3rd of June 1858 before the last apparition of
the 16th July 1858. Mary is the way to her Son.
The source and summit of the Christian life is the
Eucharist.

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information

A thematic programme for a week


in Lourdes

Day Theme or Title Activity Day Theme or Title Activity


1 Pilgrims on a journey Welcome 5 God’s creation A trip to the mountains/
– a community lake/sea
Mary’s place First visit to the Grotto We are created by God in his Mass of Creation
Naming those we pray for who Vigil/night prayer image
cannot be with us Sharing our gifts Evening liturgy/night
prayer
2 Baptism Visit Lourdes parish
church - font (a) 6 Mary’s “Yes” Mass of Our Lady
“I have called you by your name” Mass of the Mission (e.g. Visitation)
(Is 43.1) theme Our Lady’s approach to Reflection on message
The light of Christ in our lives A ‘naming’ ceremony Bernadette of Apparitions
e.g. with Water Liturgy
(renewal of baptismal Procession through
promises) St Michael’s Gate;
Visit Grotto (c)
3 We are part of Christ’s body/ International Mass (or The example of Mary Night prayer
the universal Church other gathering)
The pilgrim church Explore Lourdes 7 The importance of the Visit the Hospice (d)
Eucharist to Bernadette
Visit Bartrès
God’s healing power Mass with Anointing
(farmhouse, sheepfold)
She gave her name: “the Torchlight procession
“Tell them that people are to Procession and
Immaculate Conception” come here in procession…” Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament
4 “I would not be happy in this Visit the Cachot (b)
Thanksgiving Night prayer/
world perhaps but in the next”
Last night party
“Penitence, penitence, Penitential service; or
[Preparing for the return home] [Shopping]
penitence” Mass with a Eucharistic
Prayer for Reconciliation 8 Going home Mass/Liturgy of
“Go drink at the spring and Visit to the Baths or Farewell
wash in it” Water Liturgy
“Pray to God for the conversion Stations of the Cross The above is an example of a programme based on the mission
of sinners” theme that can be adapted according to needs and length of stay.
Lettered items in bold are stages in the 2008 Jubilee Way (p.65).

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

Ideas for exploring the theme with 2. Rainbow


Preparation
young people Ask for volunteers to form seven little groups – say two or three
Do you ever feel stuck for ideas? in each group so you have a ready-made audience. One narrator
will also be required. Each ‘family’ group can either wear the
Here are a few pointers to get started and to encourage group appropriate colour of the ‘family’ they belong to, or they can wear
participation and inclusion. Some can be adapted for adult groups. a sash. Each group will also carry a ribbon (rolled up at this stage)
approximately one metre long with one word on it. All will be
1. I am Special revealed later. When this is done the first group begins.
Each member of the group is important as they make the group Red
complete and take the place which no one else can. Hello everybody. We are the ‘RED’ family. We are special because
‘RED’ is the colour of love. ’RED’ hearts, ‘RED’ roses are the most
Reading: Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians
recognised symbols of love. All you need is love, love, love.
Brothers and sisters: Followed in turn by…
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people.
Yellow
So be gentle, kind, humble, meek and patient.
We are the ’YELLOW’ family. We are very special because we are
Put up with each other,
the colour of the sun. We could not imagine a world without the
and forgive anyone who does you wrong,
shining sun, making everything warm and bright and sunny. We
just as Christ has forgiven you.
think life would be very sad without the colour YELLOW.
Love is more important than anything else.
It is what ties everything completely together. Pink
We are the ‘PINK’ family and we think the colour ‘PINK’ is special
Group activity: Friendship because it reminds us of treats and relaxation. Yummy ‘PINK’
marshmallows covering your hot chocolate or dissolving ‘PINK’
A large sunflower made of paper/card/glue/bluetac candy-floss to bite into at the funfairs. Everyone needs a treat. Go
Write the name of each group member on a petal. Each petal on, be happy…… spoil yourself.
is important because it makes the flower complete. Allow each Green
person to add their petal saying their name as they do so. Make We are the ‘GREEN’ family. You only have to look around to see
a complete flower with all the petals. The flower can be used in how special the colour ‘GREEN’ is. The trees, the grass and lots
liturgies throughout the week. of our lovely vegetables are all ‘GREEN’. Going ‘GREEN’ means
saving our Planet.
Reading: You Are Very Special (p.19)
Orange
Resources: Ephesians 1:3-5, 11-12, Jeremiah 1:4-8 ‘ORANGES’ contain Vitamin ‘C’.
Badge/Labels for each group member That’s a very special vitamin, you see.
Eat it as a fruit, or drink it as a juice.
Another example would be to use badges. ‘I am Special’ badges ‘ORANGES’ help you be ’HEALTH-Y’.
can be made by group members for each other. Individuals draw
or name something special about another person in the group they
want to thank God for.

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

Purple 3. Share a Prayer


Good day everybody - ‘PURPLE’ family here. We believe that the
Preparation
colour ‘PURPLE’ is terribly special. It is the colour of Kings and
One candle.
Queens. It is the colour of majesty. We do not feel that we need to
As many ‘prayer cards’ as there are people in the group (not too big
elaborate.
- people are not used to writing prayers - don’t put them off).
Blue
We are the ‘BLUE’ family. Our special colour embraces the beautiful If the word ‘prayer’ feels uncomfortable for some people change it
earth between the amazing ceiling of the ‘BLUE’ sky and our world for ‘My wish for…’
which is two thirds covered in clear ‘BLUE’ water.
Activity
(It’s also a great colour if you support [Chelsea]!) My prayer for…
One person writes the name
After all the ‘Families’ have had their turn, the Narrator says: of every person in the group
on a separate prayer card. The
Thank you to everyone who is here today, and especially to those cards are then held upside down
who have helped out in our little presentation. (Clap) and each member of the group
Yes, you are right. Each of you is special because of who you are, selects one ‘card’. They then
what you are and the beauty you each give to our world. Each of you write a prayer / wish for that
offers very different gifts and talents. Each of you was special even ‘named’ person. This could be
before you were known to our group and now you are each special in prepared in the afternoon and
a different way. You are sharing in our special visit to Lourdes. So, used as a night prayer.
let’s all come together and see the beauty we can make when we When everyone has finished their
bring our individuality, our specialness together. prayer, the group forms a circle.
Sharing The rolled Using any biblical reference for
In ribbons
Our ‘light’, the candle is lit and placed
Special
are placed in the middle of the circle.
Visit together
To to form a One by one the prayers are read out and given to the person for
Lourdes rainbow whom they were intended. Then use a scripture passage, e.g.
Narrator: What can we see? Isaiah 43:1:

Discuss ‘Rainbows’. What do they mean to us? How were they “But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and he
portrayed in the Bible? Gen 9: 12-13 “I set my rainbow in the cloud who formed you, O Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed
and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”’

When the discussion comes to a close, the narrator concludes with: This is very suitable as a welcoming liturgy, especially in Lourdes.
So, let us, in love, not only as individual families, but also as one big Because we are often asked to pray for many people whilst we are
special family, give thanks in a special way. in Lourdes, but rarely are we prayed for. It is a lovely experience
and a unique moment when your name is called and that intention
Continue with the prayers of intercession or any other reading or song.
is just for you. A real privilege.

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

4. God the creator The Work and Mission of the


This can form the Gathering Rite or Offertory of a Mass of
Thanksgiving/Creation or a prayer session. (#04FAMILY
Preparation Inspiration

Genesis 1: 1-2, 4 Central to the growth and success of HCPT is the spirituality
Nature and inspiration of its founder, Brother Michael Strode. He was a
medical doctor, working in a residential school-hospital for children
Exercise with disabilities. On retirement he became a Cistercian monk on
Caldey Island, off the south Wales coast. Now in his eighties, he
Members of the group are asked to collect symbols of creation has helped - directly and indirectly - to transform the lives of many
e.g. pebbles, flowers, grass etc. Encourage everyone to look, feel, thousands of people who have journeyed as pilgrims to Lourdes.
smell and listen to nature when doing so.
At the heart of his spirituality is the conviction that God is the source
The symbols can then be arranged as a centre piece and prayers of of love: “When you are genuinely seeking God in prayer, and when
thanks offered to God the Creator. you give genuine service to someone, you are opening your heart to
the gift of God’s love, and I think that is what we see on pilgrimage.
5. And no two will be the same
The love which we experience on pilgrimage is God’s gift to us.”
Preparation
Beginnings
Two facilitators required. And lots of different-coloured pipe
cleaners. In 1954 Dr Michael and a few friends took four young people with
disabilities to Lourdes. From the outset, he insisted that they should
Exercise
be treated just like other pilgrims, staying in hotels rather than being
Divide the group into smaller groups of four or five. Give each group ‘shut away’ in hospitals. He had a very strong sense that young
a large number (say 30) of different-coloured pipe cleaners. people with disabilities wanted to live as normal a life as possible
and to join in every aspect of the pilgrimage.
Ask the groups what is their overriding theme of their week. For
example, ‘Called by Name’. What does that mean to our groups? He was also well aware that they needed to be loved. The way to
Let them discuss for a while. achieve that was to let them share a week of joy and adventure
with ‘normal’ people. He was ahead of his time. The notion of
After the discussion, and using the pipe cleaners in whatever way ‘inclusivity’ only became common practice many years later.
they wish to demonstrate their summaries, each group takes a turn
in sharing their ‘creation’. Growth of the HCPT family
Groups are allowed to swap colours with other groups, but only In 1956 Michael set up a charity, HCPT, to continue the work. This
through the facilitator – no peeking allowed. grew rapidly, so that now HCPT takes as many as 1800 young
people together with their carers, totalling up to 5000 pilgrims, each
Amusing, engaging and very enlightening.
Easter week. They come from all over the United Kingdom and
NB This style of activity could be applied in so many ways. Ireland, with groups from the West Indies, Slovakia, USA, Romania
and Croatia.

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

In 1974, in response to requests from those who had outgrown the Helpers do not come to Lourdes to work for the young people and
young people’s pilgrimage but wanted to continue experiencing adults with disabilities, but to be with them for a very full week. They
Lourdes in the same way, HCPT bought and adapted a small hotel have no defined duties with a beginning and an end to each day.
near Bartrès, just outside Lourdes. Called Hosanna House, it lies in The care and companionship is provided 24 hours a day.
a beautiful setting facing the Pyrenees. It now accommodates two
groups of about 45 people each week during the season, totalling This sharing, listening, and praying, as well as the doing and the
over 2000 pilgrims per annum. The Irish HCPT also runs a large talking, has a wonderful effect. We learn how a true community
house on similar lines at Kilcuan, near Galway in Ireland. leads to unity. How these family groups can cure isolation,
loneliness and aridity. How each person is worthy of respect. They
More recently, HCPT has expanded its mission by providing for teach us what genuine companionship means and how it gives
groups of between six and nineteen people at its Villa near Bartrès. hope.
Run on a self-catering, more independent basis, it can be rented for
varying periods, in or out of season, by people who prefer quieter We may come as individuals - young or adult - with our own needs,
and more intimate surroundings, but with similar views to Hosanna but soon we are caught up in a new ‘family’. As Michael Strode
House. has written: “Our small-group system allows for the identification
of individual needs and the planning of liturgical and other group
Altogether, HCPT takes some 7000 pilgrims to Lourdes each year. activities suitable for those involved.” We journey together and we
feel and experience the presence of Christ. We become Church.
The group system - the heart of the HCPT experience
Young helpers
There are many fine pilgrimages to Lourdes each year. HCPT’s
way is not the only way. But Michael Strode’s inspiration has been A very positive aspect of the HCPT pilgrimage is how it has
a great gift to HCPT and its extended family, IHCPT, ASCPG and attracted many young helpers. They largely pay for themselves.
others. They bring all their energy, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness to the
groups. They feel involved and want to come again. This has much
From the start HCPT organised itself around what came to be to teach the Church at local level. In a recent survey into the attitude
known as ‘the group system’. The pilgrimage is divided into of young Catholics in Britain it was found that a significant factor in
autonomous groups. Each group consists of about ten young their formation had been travelling to Lourdes as a helper. HCPT
people and twelve helpers, including a group leader, chaplain and a now has a rolling programme of retreats for young helpers, as well
nurse. In recent years the average number of helpers has increased as renewal weekends for leaders.
to cope with a rise in the number of young people with behavioural
difficulties and special needs as well as child protection issues.
Liturgies and spiritual experience
The group system is key to HCPT. The group is sufficiently small for
At Easter it is a pilgrimage holiday, a ‘holiday with Our Lady’ as we
each person to feel they are part of it and that each one matters.
sometimes call it. The groups do come together for the Torchlight
Each group has its own number, colours and character that give
and Blessed Sacrament processions, which are carefully planned
its members a sense of identity, of belonging. As they get to know
with the Sanctuaries to suit the needs of the young people, and
each other it becomes a close and loving family. A group is a like
most particularly for a great Eucharist in the Underground Basilica.
a building block, so the Easter pilgrimage has expanded from a
This lively and specially adapted liturgy attracts not just the five
handful of groups to some 200 without losing the special closeness,
thousand strong Easter pilgrimage of HCPT but many non-HCPT
joy and exuberance of the small group. At Hosanna House the
pilgrims and people who live or work in Lourdes.
same ethos continues though the groups are larger.

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I have called you by your name Other Ideas/Information I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

But closer to the heart of HCPT’s young people’s pilgrimage is the The Bishops of England & Wales, Scotland and Ireland are patrons
100 or more group Masses or other liturgies that take place every of HCPT and IHCPT and fully supportive of our work. Several join
day. The young people are encouraged to take a full part in, e.g., the Easter pilgrimage. In a way it is a microcosm of the Church,
the drama of the Stations of the Cross or a water liturgy, or in a and in its group system even a possible model. Bishop John
simple bedtime prayer. Each liturgy is very child-focused and the Rawsthorne and Bishop Dermot O’Mahony, Presidents of HCPT
young people often contribute ideas and prayers. and IHCPT respectively, have often said that the HCPT family have
something to contribute to the Church outside its own pilgrimage.
Hosanna House groups have a different liturgical pace. A more One challenge is to learn how to do that.
contemplative style is possible. Again there are opportunities for
intimate Eucharistic and other liturgies, in the chapel or gardens or Lessons learned
elsewhere. Or groups can join in the great services in the Domaine,
or make late night visits to the Grotto or spend a quiet time in Perhaps one of the ways is to tell people about our experience.
adoration. HCPT does not pretend to be perfect. Brother Michael reminds us
that we must never think that we have ‘arrived’ or that there is not
Community room for improvement.

In Lourdes, and in each group, people are accepted and they But perhaps during the last fifty years HCPT has (like many others)
belong. What is remarkable and wonderful about this for HCPT is learned something along the way:
that this includes the many young people and helpers who come
from other Christian traditions or faith backgrounds (or none), or s (OWTORELATETOANDINCLUDEPEOPLEWITHDISABILITIES
who have lost touch with the institutional Church. These people are s (OWWEARECALLEDNOTJUSTTOSERVEBESERVED BUTTO
very welcome, and whatever their initial apprehensions they come befriend
to feel at home with us. s (OWTORESPECTTHEDIGNITYOFEACHPERSON
Their presence gives us a challenge and an opportunity. The s (OWTOINVOLVEANDACCEPTTHEGENEROSITYOFYOUNGHELPERS
challenge is to ensure that they feel included. The opportunity is for s (OWTOCREATEINCLUSIVELITURGIESWHEREALLCANPARTICIPATE
the group to devise prayer services and acts of worship which will s (OWTORECOGNISEANDUSETHEGIFTSOFEVERYPERSON
be inclusive while at the same time being faithful to the rich Catholic s (OWTOMODELCOLLABORATIVEMINISTRY
tradition that Lourdes represents. In doing so one realises that
s (OWTOWELCOMEPEOPLEOFOTHER#HRISTIANTRADITIONSOROTHER
Lourdes and HCPT groups must be, and are, inclusive and that one
faiths (or none), and those who have left the institutional
is experiencing the universal nature of God’s love.
Church, and make them feel at home
Pope Benedict XVI has said: “Prayer does not only bring us closer s (OWPRAYERSHOULDTOBEWOVENINTOTHEFABRICOFOURDAILY
to God, but to one another. It is a powerful source of peace and joy. lives, both private prayer and prayer with one another
Pray together and build a spiritual community.” HCPT identifies with s (OWTOREENERGISETHE#HURCHBYBEINGASIGNOFTHETIMES
these words for that has been its experience.
s (OWLIVINGTOGETHERINSMALLFAMILYGROUPSISANEFFECTIVEWAY
Collaborative ministry of achieving all this.

The vast majority of HCPT groups are led by a lay person. Each will The aim of the HCPT family is to develop community experiences
have a chaplain, though not always ordained. In working together of faith.
HCPT models well the collaborative ministry which is the hope of
the Church in our times.

76 77
I have called you by your name I have called you by your name

Acknowledgements
In addition to the contributors named above, grateful thanks are
due to:

Fr Paul Hardy & Joanne Boyce for 2 liturgies (adapted)


© 2001 Hardy/CJM Music ltd – St Mary’s House, Coventry Road,
Coleshill B46 3ED

Fr Perry Gildea, Caroline Bennett and John Wolff (HCPT Trustees),


Desmond Keane (IHCPT) & Sue King for their valued contributions
to this booklet, and Andrew Flood (Trustee) for the Mission motif.
Copyright

Eucharistic Prayers for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions


© 1994, International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc.

‘You have called us” © 2000/07 Bernadette Farrell & OCP Publications

All copyright music licensed under ‘Calamus’ through Decani Music Ltd, Oak House, 70
High Street, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0AU.

You are mine David Haas


You have called us Bernadette Farrell
Do not be afraid Gerald Markland
Here I am Lord Daniel L Schutte
The Summons John L Bell/ Graham Maule/Kelvin Grove
One Bread One Body John B Foley SJ
I Watch the Sunrise John Glynn
O God you search me Bernadette Farrell
A Celtic Rune
(Lord Hear Our Prayer) Liam Lawton
I have loved you Michael Joncas

Published by HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust


Oakfield Park, 32 Bilton Road, Rugby CV22 7HQ
All rights reserved © 2008
If you would like to receive this publication in an
alternative format, please contact Brother Michael Strode
HCPT HQ, Oakfield Park, 32 Bilton Road,
who inspired the idea of bringing people
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 7HQ with disabilities to Lourdes in small communities
Editor: Richard King

78 79
The Church’s Mission alongside People with Disabilities
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La Chiesa in Missione insieme le Persone Disabili


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Die Kirche in Mission bei den Behinderten Menschen
De Kerk in Zending bij de Andersvalide Mensen

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