Pilgrimage is a religious journey to visit a holy site or holy person, and such journeys are found in many religious traditions. In Christianity, and in the Jesuit tradition particularly, pilgrimage has long had a central place at times when people are passing through major growth stages and seek to encounter God and to know themselves in a more profound way. 

 

In 1858, the Mother of God appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous eighteen times, requesting that she pray, to uncover a spring of water, to build a chapel and to come in procession. Since then, thousands of scientifically documented cures and countless healings and conversions have occurred. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world now visit the Grotto each year. To this day over 30,000 gallons of Lourdes water flows from the spring each day! 

 

Introduction and background

Patricia Gutierrez Carranza from Vienna, Virginia. 

Graduate of St. Edward’s University in Austin TX

Married for 26 years, to Juan B. Carranza III, mother of two grown children, 

residing in Laredo, TX.

Board member of St. Augustine High School

Small business owner, Floral design studio, devout catholic

 

Motivation to embark on this Pilgrimage

The story of St. Bernadette always intrigued me. I think because she was just an adolescent when the Virgin appeared to her, and as a young adolescent myself I was drawn to her story. As a young girl I remember very well the movie being shown often on the local PBS station, “The Song of Bernadette” . It’s an incredible movie made some 80 years ago! The movie is based on the life of the young Bernadette Siborous and how she came to be chosen by God to witness the Virgin Mary. St. Bernadette is known for simplicity, humility and obedience. All traits that one can aspire for oneself. When I am feeling uninspired, I will watch the movie. It never gets old.

 

My father had a sister, Sr. Norma Gutierrez MCDP. She was my favorite aunt and Nun and growing up when she would visit, she would share books and stories about the Saints with me and my brother. St. Bernadette was always a favorite. Sr. Norma passed away in 2013, I still cherish the Love and religious education she showed me all those years ago. 

 

For years I have served in different capacities giving of my time, talent or treasure. In college, I delivered meals on wheels, was involved with campus ministry and later became a lector at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Austin TX.  As a newlywed in 1998 coming to live in a new city where I knew very few people, I joined the Women’s City Club. I am still a member to this day. 

It was there that I learned about my new community and made my first friends. Since then, I have served on the Board of Directors for United Day School, Children’s Advocacy Group, Society of Martha Washington and most recently St. Augustine High School. I cannot think of a time when I was not fundraising or assisting in some way for the betterment of a cause, my children’s schools and or my new hometown. I love to serve. I love to help people. 

 

How did you prepare for this pilgrimage?

When we returned from our anniversary trip I began making the arrangements and necessary applications. I had to take special required training, courses on assisting the elderly when they cannot help themselves, participate in zoom seminars, and request letters of recommendation from Priests and other lay persons from my community. I was very thankful to Dr. Olga Gentry and His Holiness Bishop James Tamayo for supporting me in this endeavor with letters of recommendation. Also reading about Lourdes and books about St. Bernadette. I prayed often that I was making the right decision and that I would be accepted. 

 

Expectations:

I was not sure what to expect. I prayed for a positive experience and just left it in God’s hands. I didn't want to think about it too much as everyone has a different experience. I was nervous and excited for the opportunity but knew I needed time to myself to renew my faith and think about my future, the wife, mother, sister, child of God that I wanted to be. 

 

Purpose of the trip

More importantly than serving is fulfilling one’s need to deepen our relationship with God. For some time, I had been feeling this call, a pull if you will, and knew I wanted to take the time to be by myself and visit “Our Lady” the mother of God in the Grotto. I wanted to take part in the beautiful spiritual gift of water gestures offered at the “picines or baths” . I wanted to grow in my faith and thank God and Our Lady for all my blessings and be of service. Bernadette said she felt a pull to visit the unsightly area of Massabielle, now the Grotto. It was Our Lady that was calling her to come to her at the Grotto.. 

 

Thanks to St. Bernadette’s story I had a deep desire to visit Lourdes. For years, I would research how to travel to Lourdes. In 2011, I came upon a Trip Advisor link mentioning the “Our Lady of Lourdes North American Volunteers” (NALV)  group. That link referred me to their website where I learned they were the first and ONLY Lourdes Hospitality of the Americas and the first Hospitality outside Europe. They bring the seriously ill and disabled to Lourdes, France and serve the Sanctuary as volunteers. They evangelize through the Gospel message of Lourdes sharing the grace of pilgrimage several times a year. During Covid and to this day, they hold pilgrimages virtually for those that are unlikely or unable to make the physical journey to France. I became a member, followed the group on Facebook and signed up for the newsletter.

 

In 2019 my mother became very ill and I inquired to NALV about the possibility of taking her to Lourdes for healing. Unfortunately her health was so delicate that she could not travel. I purchased holy water from the NALV group for my Mother and asked for special mass intentions for her healing.

 

I knew one day I would have an opportunity to serve, I just wasn’t sure when that would be. I spoke with the Pilgrimage Coordinator and asked if my daughter could participate in a pilgrimage. At the time she was a minor and not able to. I thought I would wait until she became legal age and we could go have this experience together. However that is not what happened. For God and Our Lady have a plan for all of us. They say Our Lady will call upon you and that is exactly what happened. 

 

I remember very well the day this happened. In March 2023, I was traveling with my husband to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Coincidentally, on the flight was a couple who had been to our wedding, and we had not seen them since then! They told us they were traveling back home to Laredo coming from Lourdes! I was so excited to learn this and speak to someone who was able to visit the famous Grotto and take part in the holistic water experiences. I told them of my wish to visit and serve at the Sanctuary. They encouraged me and spoke just wonderfully of their time in Lourdes. 

 

Once we boarded the plane and were settled, I opened my book to read and in the first chapter the author speaks about his visit to Lourdes! I could not believe it! I was amazed because the book was not a religious one or is the author a catholic, just someone who wanted to visit and learn about this famous healing place. I turned to my husband and said if this is not a calling I don’t know what is! I have to go to Lourdes! My husband who encourages and supports me always says then you should go!

 

Experience:

The two weeks I spent in Lourdes were absolutely heaven! I was in awe of the beauty of the Sanctuary, the peaceful quiet surroundings. It’s unlike any other Basilica I have been to. Everyone is gracious, humble and proper. Happy to be amongst the mountains and the rapid flowing river in the presence of Our Lady, eager to visit the Grotto or one of the 29 chapels on the grounds. You don’t see police, security guards or metal detectors as you find in other Basilicas. Fun fact, the underground Basilica seats 25,000 people! It’s an immense space yet feels small and familiar. 

 

I felt immense joy, love and inspiration being surrounded by so many pilgrims from all over the world who have a special love for Our Lady. I was in awe with the crowds in the evening processions. Where did so many people come from in such a short time?! 

 

I was touched to see so many people with such incredible health challenges, pilgrims that were blind, paraplegic, confined to special wheelchair beds. They were so happy to be in Lourdes. They never complained. I realized there and then how blessed I was and no need to complain about anything! I remember calling my husband and telling him the story of one of the young men we were charged with taking care of. He is non verbal, cannot speak only shriek. He cannot walk but a few steps. After spending time with him, I told my husband I would not complain about our children ever again. I saw what it was to struggle and depend 100% on others for basic life care, our children are healthy and happy and that's what matters. 

 

During the day it was so quiet and peaceful. On the weekends many families would visit and take their children to the Grotto and to take part in the evening procession. If you arrived early you could volunteer to read during the procession and it was so interesting to hear all the different languages spoken, very sweet to hear the voices of children bringing everyone together in prayer. 

 

I must admit that in the first few days I was beginning to question my being there. Working in the Accueil which is a full time hospital where the Pilgrims stayed was very demanding. I was not prepared for the physical part of the work and was very frustrated. I complained too much and tried to get others to join me in my “misery” yet when I saw how the others on my team were working so hard, not complaining, just happy to be in the Sanctuary amongst Our Lady’s presence then I also softened my thoughts and my negative attitude disappeared! It was amazing, I would wake up after very little sleep having so much energy and gusto to start a new day and just give all I could to those who needed my help.

 

The friends I made also helped me so very much. I had deep personal conversations with people I had just met yet felt like I had known them all of my life! My roommate is an amazing lady from Cincinnati Ohio. I learned so much from her. Her eloquence, grace and Love for the Lord was captivating. We would talk for hours and continue to speak often. She was one of the first people I met at the airport in NYC and when she told me her name I was in awe,  “Genevieve” because it's not a name you hear very often and it was my Grandmother's name! Another small miracle from our Lady sent to me, knowing I would be in good hands and make a lifelong friend. Since we had to be up so early everyday I would skip breakfast just to sleep a little longer. Well Geneivieve took it upon herself to bring my breakfast to the room to give me more time. She was so sweet and considerate to do that! Without my asking! I love her! 

 

Memorable Interactions with Pilgrims

I was especially taken with the hospitality group from Madrid and Bilbao Spain. The Spanairds were dressed incredibly sharp with their vintage like nurses uniforms but with a modern look. The Spanairds were incredibly warm and compassionate with their pilgrims. Everyday they would play music, sing and dance in the courtyard with their pilgrims. If they were wheelchair bound they would spin them around and mimic dancing moves with their wheelchairs. They would play cards, dominoes, read to them, all outside in the beautiful surroundings of the Sanctuary. Being hispanic I gravitated to them, happy to get to know them and learn more about their hospitality group. The Spaniards were the largest hospitality group there! Over 1000 pilgrims! Seeing all these people and the love they have to give to help one and another was so moving. Of course there were so many pilgrims from our group that I connected to immediately. There were a few fellow Texans on the trip and I loved the students from Franciscan University. They were so giving and gracious. I enjoyed these interactions very much. It was so interesting to learn about everyone's background and how they received the call to assist on pilgrimage. 

 

 

 

Route took, places visited:

It was quite the journey! Exactly 5,384 miles!  I had to drive from Laredo to San Antonio because I had to fly Delta airlines. I drove alone to my in-laws home and left my vehicle there. The next morning at 4:00 am I took an Uber to the airport. I remember my Uber driver was a nurse who drove in the mornings before her shift at the hospital. She was so cheery and nice. A nice way to begin my pilgrimage. I flew from SA to Charlotte NC then onto JFK in NYC. There I met up with my group, my fellow travel companions. We left JFK in the evening and flew directly to Paris. We had a long connection there waiting for our next flight to Pau, France. Once we landed in Pau we took a bus to Lourdes, another 45 min or so. Our first night in Pau we stayed in a hotel, the Saint Rose! I thought this was an incredibly positive first sign for my Mother’s name was Rosa but we would all call her Rose! 

The next day we took a bus to the Sanctuary to the Hospitalet, and that’s where we stayed the rest of the time in Lourdes. A Hospitalet is like a small hotel, very humble, more like a dorm. It reminded me of the convent my aunt used to live at. 

 

Aside from the Sanctuary and the village of Lourdes, I had the opportunity to explore close by and went to the famous convent of the Carmelite Nuns. They are famous for living a life of seclusion and in silence.  They do not speak. Only in mass and on their recreation days. To help keep up with living expenses and maintenance they make chocolates, cookies and needlecrafts. The convent chapel was absolutely beautiful and the goodies just delicious.

 

Who accompanied: How we came together:

I traveled alone from Laredo. It was in NYC that I caught up with the other volunteers and then finally in Lourdes where we all came together. Student nurses from Franciscan University in Ohio also accompanied. We were so grateful for their assistance. The care and attention they gave to the pilgrims was remarkable. We were a total of 187 pilgrims! Doctors, nurses, therapists, priests, nuns, ordinary lay persons, men and women from many different countries. All ages too! The youngest in our group was Hannah from NY, a college student who aspires to be a nun one day. She was the favorite of our group! Her knowledge of all the saints was truly amazing. She could tell you all of their background and how they came to be canonized.  

Daily practices or rituals: 

Daily mass at 6 am! In the evening nightly Marian procession at Lourdes, where thousands of pilgrims walk with lit candles reciting the rosary and lifting their candles high as they sing Ave Maria. One night there were close to 8,000 pilgrims. 

 

I would tell people Lourdes is like Disney World! Every day there is something new to see and experience. While there, I went to the Grotto daily, I went to confession, I purchased candles and requested mass intentions for my family and friends. I went to the baths, visited Bernadette’s childhood home. Walked the procession. Saw the Stations of the Cross and went to the visitors center to see the movie about the building of the Sanctuary. I would escape to the village of Lourdes to have a quick lunch sometimes by myself and then with my new friend, Georginnah from the Philippines at the cutest bistro where we indulged in incredibly delicious French meals. That was such a treat! The pastries, hot chocolate and champagne were divine!

 

I had my responsibilities as a member of the Advance Team where I worked in the kitchen serving meals daily, working in housekeeping, making beds, cleaning bathrooms doing laundry, assisting pilgrims with anything they needed. Sometimes it was helping to look for a lost item, giving directions, helping to ensure they are safe and comfortable. A lot of the time it was an ear to lend, someone to sit with, talk a walk with, give a hug or have a special prayer request taken down to the Grotto. Towards the end of the pilgrimage I saw how much help the directors needed so I made myself available and dispensable as much as I could. I have so much respect for their group and the work they do. It’s all a volunteer effort. 

 

Specific hardships, challenges, how did you overcome, Doubt 

Being away for two weeks was very difficult for me but especially my family. They are not used to me being gone for so long. The days were long for them and they missed my presence and always being available to them. They may not have understood my need to be on pilgrimage but when I called home and they could hear my voice and see my pictures they were very happy for me. 

The schedule was very hectic. We would wake in the very early morning hours about 5 am to get ready, go to mass and then breakfast after. My roommate Geneivieve would bring my breakfast to the room to give me more time. She was so sweet and considerate to do that! Without even asking! She was always thinking of me and helping me during my time there.

 

As a member of the Advance Team we would meet with our own team to discuss the schedule for the day, the outings and if there would be any special requests needed or tasks such as a specialty wheelchair, oxygen tank, trip to pharmacy for medication, meeting with kitchen cooks to ensure specialty meals (dairy free, nut free, gluten free, sugar free) for food allergies were ordered. We had activities throughout the morning, our regular duties of serving food, cleaning rooms, laundry and prepping for the evening, a quick lunch and then afternoon reflection, then back to Sanctuary for evening mass, or procession. I would go to my room at midnight.

 

Aside from the grueling schedule, I was not used to the small tiny room without any AC and having to share a room with a stranger. The building was very old and so not up to date with the plumbing. There was only one plug for power! How could two ladies charge their phones, apple watches, dry/curl hair from just one outlet and one light bulb! Also, it was a lot of walking and heavy lifting. A lot of medical equipment, luggage, office supplies, uniforms, booklets, etc. to carry and pack up at the end. I was not prepared for the long hours and being on my feet for such a great long time. I consider myself healthy and active but this was on a whole other level! One day I walked over 24,000 steps. 

 

 

 

I overcame all these challenges with prayer and just remembering the way of Bernadette. Following in her footsteps of Simplicity, Humility and Obedience. I would watch the movie as I was preparing for the day for a special motivation. I would also end my day at the Grotto just sitting in silence with the Virgin. 

Interactions and Impact:

As the only Spanish speaker on the Advance Team, I was asked to accompany a Doctor from Colombia who did not speak English or French. She was participating in the pilgrimage as she was interested in bringing a group of volunteer doctors and nurses from her home country. I was her translator for two weeks. We bonded immediately, she was about my age. She was thankful and relieved for my assistance throughout our time in Lourdes.

 

Personal reflection and Transformation Perspective in Life, Significant realizations 

Every day I was there, small miracles would occur. My faith was renewed and reawakened!

I feel that  I have grown spiritually. My prayer life has changed and improved significantly for the better! Going to Adoration, praying the Hail Mary daily in the morning and evenings, participating in monthly group Rosary. Praying with my family. I want to continue to grow my faith, be an excellent example to my children, be more like Bernadette. Be the broom like Our Lady asked her to be.

 

How have you integrated your experiences into daily life

I keep a vision board in my dressing area and there I have the prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes.

I also have my name badge and prayer cards from Lourdes. I see them every morning and it's a constant reminder of my time in Lourdes and to live the life St. Bernadette lived. “Walk in her shoes as they say”  

 

Any changes in relationships or approach to life

I definitely feel there have been positive changes in my life since going on pilgrimage. I have grown in my confidence and knowledge of the teachings of St. Bernadette. I am implementing them into my daily life and sharing with my family as well which has brought us closer.

 

 

Consider another pilgrimage? 

At this time I am not considering another pilgrimage to Lourdes. I will definitely help out with a donation to the NALV group as they are in need of so many items for the pilgrimage. Office supplies, snacks, first aid items, the list goes on. I plan to send a few boxes of goodies. It’s not easy to shop over there because they do not have Walmarts or Sam's Clubs like we are accustomed to and everything is very expensive in Europe. I do hope to return to Lourdes however I feel guilty leaving my family again for such a long time. If I were to participate it would probably be on my own time and less days. I really want to go to Nevers where St. Bernadette is buried. That would be my next special trip. 

 

 

 

Most valuable lesson?

 

The manner in which we impact others is oftentimes hidden and unknown. St. Bernadette remained hidden as Our Lady’s ” Little Broom” to be used when serving God through the infirm and those in need. I pray my cheerful service and my Catholic faith reflected a sign of hope and trust in God’s deep love to those suffering pilgrims who came seeking spiritual, emotional or physical healing. The blessing of my Mexican heritage allowed me the opportunity to communicate with pilgrims visiting Lourdes from other Spanish speaking countries. I was also honored to share the richness and beauty of my culture with my fellow North American Volunteers.