The pilgrims of Lourdes are gaining a plenary indulgence this year by participating in the Jubilee Walk." The Jubilee Walk consists of Four landmarks associated with St. Bernadette.
Today I will focus on the first landmark: The Baptismal Font.
Bernadette was born on Jan. 7, 1844 and was baptized two days later on Jan. 9 in the parish church of Lourdes.
The pilgrims making the Jubilee Walk do not just visit each site and recall the life of Bernadette. This walk is an exercise of faith. On this first stop at the baptismal font we recall our own baptism and renew our promises. We ask the Holy Spirit to descend upon us once again and help us to lead a virtuous life.
"People in the world do not possess the Holy Spirit, or if they do, they only possess him temporarily. He does not dwell in them: the noise of the world drives him away." These words of wisdom from the Cure of Ars certainly describe our society today, where there are so many distractions and no sense of sin, and no goal of heaven.
Our Lady of Lourdes came as a witness to the "other world" as she called it. This is the world where Mary promised Bernadette she would be happy.
This hidden, "other world" sheds light on the interior life of the Carmelite. We make promises to live the Beatitudes, a life that sheds light on that hidden "other world" of the kingdom. If we are truly living the Carmelite life, people will see our light shine and hopefully be inspired to give Glory to the Father.
Our Lady's habit, the scapular that we wear, is a reminder of our baptismal garment, in which we "put on Christ." As Carmelites we need Our Lady's help and protection to keep our baptismal garment unstained and so enter the kingdom with a holy wedding garment fit to appear before the bridegroom.
"Why did Our Lady choose the feast of Mt. Carmel to end her apparitions? Because it is in Carmel that we best learn how to leave behind our poor heads plunged in the contradictions and the illusions of the "world," to enter into the silence and the night of the heart,where the devil cannot see us, as St. John of the Cross explains so well."
(Lourdes Magazine,October 2007)
The pilgrims of Lourdes line up at "the baths" in imitation of Bernadette who obeyed Our Lady's call to"go and wash." The pilgrims plunge themselves into the cold water after having recited a Hail Mary. This washing is a sign and symbol of our baptism as well. We are made clean to begin to live the spiritual life in Christ.
Mary is a sort of John the Baptist here at Lourdes. She cries out, "Repent." "Go and wash."
Let us heed Our Lady's Call; The silent and heartfelt call of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to make ready the way of the Lord.
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds
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