Arriving early to Lourdes, the preparation, the quiet, the anticipation of the beloved Malades.

I am back again...familiar sights with different trimmings. This year the peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains have a heavier layer of snow, the Lourdes Airport now boasts a new collection of mothballed aircraft...Airbus, 747's and other large planes. a few more indicators of increased security but as in the past the town awaits in anticipation of the arrival of over 15,000 pilgrims of the Order of Malta, from around the world...Knights, Dames, Chaplains, Volunteers, all in the service of their beloved malades. I am with friends, including Msgr. Steve Otellini, FR, Reginald Martin O.P., and John Conway. Land, grab the bags, taxi to the hotel, dinner at Amalfi Resturante with our friend and owner Mimmo, and then sleep after a long trip. Me from Cuba, the others from home in California. Our Blessed Mother welcomes us back as if we had never left. In fact, we never have.