Alessandra and the Beloved Malades arrive Lourdes

Just past noon today, Wednesday, the charter flight from California touched down. Assembled at the airport were the advance team and any Knights and Dames of the Order who had arrived early. Our job was to make it easy for the pilgrim travelers. Direct them to luggage, bathrrom, water. While waiting for the Colorados we had a constant flow of those getting off the flight...tired, smiling hungry and happy. I greeted Archbishop Cordileone who had flown over with the charter. It is worth noting that he is here not only as Archbishop of San Francisco, but also as a team member who will be pusing/pullig a cart with a malade at the wheels. Alessandra recoginized me right away and the family cleared customs. Bouncing off the walls with excitment to have arrived here in Lourdes. A long flight off to the hotel and get settled in. The first afternoon after arrival is generally a time of rest orientation.