The Blessed Sacrament Procession

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT PROCESSION AND BLESSING OFTHE SICK

This procession is almost as old as the first pilgrimages to Lourdes. It was first linked to the movement of the Blessed Sacrament from the Crypt to the Grotto where adoration took place. But the sick were detached from this and so a new form was introduced which included the blessing of the sick.

This procession and blessing of the sick takes place every day at 5.00pm. As a pilgrimage we will take part on one particular day, though pilgrims can attend on other days if they so wish.

Pilgrims who are unable or do not wish to process will go direct to the underground Basilica of St Pius X where they can participate in prayer and adoration by watching the progress of the procession towards the Basilica on the large screens.

The Blessed Sacrament is carried, by a Bishop, in solemn procession, under a canopy and accompanied by priests and deacons, from the Crypt of the Rosary Basilica to the underground Basilica. Pilgrims gathered in Rosary Square lead the procession into the Basilica.

Once everyone is gathered there is a time of silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament – we don’t have to do anything, we just have to ‘be’, and feel the love of God. The Cure d’Ars, when asked what he did during his time of private prayer said “I look at Him and He looks at me”

In Lourdes the service of Benediction is amplified by a small procession. The main celebrant, carrying the monstrance, is followed by other bishops and a procession of doctors. As they move round the altar the procession stops at frequent intervals to bless the sick and disabled. As the priest makes the sign of the cross with the monstrance containing the Sacred Host, our faith tells us that it is Our Lord himself who blesses us, and we receive the benediction with reverence, head bowed.

Tuesday 2 August

10.30 am Music Concert in the Chapelle Notre Dame

2.00 pm Mass with Anointing in St Pius X Basilica, Central Altar

6.00 pm Choir practice at the St Sauveur Mezzenine

6.15 pm Clinical Team Meeting, 1st Floor Panorama

8.15 pm PARTY NIGHT IN HOTELS/ACCUEIL

TUESDAY 2 AUGUST DAILY PRAYERS

Leader: O God, come to our aid. All: O Lord, make haste to help us. Leader: O God, as we begin this time of prayer, Open our hearts to hear your call in these moments. Help us to set aside any obstacles to your love, So that we may rest here in you. Amen.

(Silence is kept) Leader: Our Lady said to Bernadette, ‘Go and tell the priests…’ Scripture: Luke 18:40-41 Reader: Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Leader: The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ All: Our Lady said to Bernadette, ‘Go and tell the priests… Reflection How do we answer this question of Jesus? Whether you are anointed today or not, the question is still there. How do you want Jesus to help you in your life? What do you really need? More courage, more faith, to be consoled or calmed, to be more joyful?

Intercessions

Leader: We offer our prayers for those people and situations on our hearts at this time. We pray aloud or in silence.

Closing prayer All: O God, be with us as we journey together through this pilgrimage, May the special grace we encounter here in Lourdes, the out-pouring of your love, inspire us throughout our lives. As we learn to encounter, listen, and together, help us to constantly search for your grace, for your love, wherever we find ourselves. So that, like the priests here in Lourdes, we may respond to your call, in humility and trust. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Leader: Our Lady of Lourdes, All: Pray for us. Leader: St Bernadette, All: Pray for us. Leader: All holy men and women, All: Pray for us. Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

TOMORROW

✙ Mass at the Grotto (p.118) ✙ Hour of Prayer led by the Redshirts ✙ Evening Prayer of the last (p.127)