Mass at the Monastery of the Poor Clare Sisters

Later in the day on Tuesday we had mass for the advance team at the Poor Clare Sister's Monastery. A short walk from Grotto, the sisters extend their hospitality to us for one of our masses in their small chapel.. They support themselves through a gift shop at the monastery where they sell their hand made rosaries made from small round bean pods. The celebrants were Msgr Otellini, and Frs Haake, Love and Fr Reginald Martin OP. The homily directed our attention to how Lourdes, a place that is filled with those so often in physical distress, is most especially a place of joy for all pilgrims, both Malades and those in their company and service. Those of us who have traveled here in the past have no difficulty understanding this great paradox that this Sanctuary that draws so many in pain, returns to them a certain joy that is readily seen on their faces.