Testimony on Lourdes

Testimony from Kathy in Devon

Iam registered disabled by mental illness and epilepsy. I have been on Pilgrimage with you two or three times. My father, a committed atheist, had heard that "people get healed there", and paid for my pilgrimages out of his own pocket. He passed away in October 2020, having, as he put it himself, "got me back", after medication changes and improvement in my condition restored me to some kind of life.

On Pilgrimage I was still at risk of tonic clonic seizures (convulsions), so went everywhere with one of your escorts, and stayed in the Accueil. For Masses, picnic, etc, you escorted me in a wheelchair in case I were to convulse in tight quarters. My mental state was also very poor. I was not allowed out of the Accueil without an escort, which included my roommate, who kept in touch during the year. You always put us together.

I have very happy memories of the closing Mass by the late great Cardinal MurphyO'Connor in 2013, and his fatherly care during the Pilgrimage; also that of Archbishop MacDonald another time. Fr Watkins heard my confession and gave me Absolution. I remember many times going to the Grotto, to the Rosary and Eucharistic Processions, to the wonderful Rosary Basilica, and the picnics, and Mass under the trees.

My best memories are of the row of taps of water from the Grotto spring, and each year sticking my head under the running water, as it was my head which was the seat of my illnesses.

My father lived to see the convulsions subside – I have had two in the last 57 years – and my being able to attend daily Mass, and serve in the Sacristy. Whilst still unwell enough to qualify for benefits, and having partial seizures daily, so still being unable to drive, I have a quality of life, which I did not have for 20 years. I believe his simple faith in the power of a Pilgrimage to Lourdes was rewarded. Please pray for his soul.

God Bless you