Zanica - Lourdes (EN)

Lourdes

At midday and some minutes, hat on the head and backpack on the shoulders (9,9 kilos), I started walking under the sun to reach the Orio al Serio Airport. 5,1 km have been more than enough test.

After boarding the luggage, I waited for Manuel and I did not have to wait for long time. At 3 p.m. we took off to reach Lourdes.

In Lourdes we met immediately Ilaria, pilgrim to Santiago as well (her backpack weighs 7,5 kilos!!! and she also has a wind-cheater!!!). Thanks to her, that would have staied at Albergue La Ruche, we had a lift by car to the centre. We did immediately the credential with the first stamp of the Loureds Sanctuary and I had the temptation to strart walking from here (150 km and 7 days extra)... then the information was written in french, there has just been a flood, so I did not have the courage to do it alone... so I held the original programme.

At 6 p.m. we arrived at the Youth Village, where we lodged. I washed the garments: they are still wet (midnight has already passed).

Visit of the Cave, rosary at 9 p.m. (we sang), dinner, last greeting to Mary and go to bed.

It was nice to strart this pilgrimage right in Lourdes, beloved place; nice to move having in your eyes the faith celebration corresponding to praying together in the Sanctuary and the warm heartedness of the pilgrims from all over the world, of all ages, of various health conditions, of sharing this moment and this place with Manuel, friend and brother.

Translated by T. Lancellotti