At the beginning of this year, it didn’t even cross my mind that I would be in Lourdes. To be fair, many things that I’m doing this year didn’t cross my mind.
Here I am then – a quick stop on the way to the Pyrenees… I have a drink with Isabelle and collect my crampons and hiking poles, and have a paella – I didn’t eat anything since breakfast.

Sunday starts quite early (considering late night last night and a few before). I have to be in the underground basilica for 8 a.m. sharp to be able to sing with the choir. Dear me, what an experience! One thing, I guess, is that I miss singing in a choir in general but the conductor is great and I enjoy it so much (apart from a moment of not singing related disaster which I’m not going to talk about). The Mass itself is a profound experience. I must admit that even though there is a huge number of people, it doesn’t feel like a mass event which I don’t like very much. Of course, being with choir gives a fantastic overview of the whole basilica which, perhaps you don’t get from elsewhere.

I check out a bus connection to Gedré and Gavarnie but there is basically no connection before the 10th of June. I will have to think about what to do. Meanwhile, I go to the grotto, light a couple of candles for many people and in many intentions.  It is very hot and as I didn’t sleep a lot recently, so I have a siesta.

The torchlight procession is led by The Society of Our Lady of Lourdes, so I meet with Isabelle again and see a few other familiar faces. The procession itself… I don’t really know what I think…