Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham
Houston, TX
July 16th to July 18th
The visit of St. Bernadette's relics to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houston, TX was a wonderful success and a true blessing for those who experienced it. The local Lourdes Volunteers and Knights & Dames of Malta were tireless in their help throughout the event. The Lourdes Volunteers team of Kathy, Majel, Charo, and Edwin led 6 Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experiences, and the Knights & Dames of Malta stood post with the relics throughout the entire event assisting pilgrims in their veneration. "Over the course of four days, over 5,000 pilgrims came to venerate St. Bernadette's relics, and to pray and to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," said Tim Caruthers, Director of Worship for the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham.
These events occurred during the visit:
- Over 5,000 people came to venerate the relics of St. Bernadette from Friday to Monday. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was offered on three separate occasions with over 100 ill and elderly people partaking; St. Bernadette was welcomed with a 20-decade rosary, led by the parish youth, with over 400 participating; Seven Masses, two Processions, and Morning and Evening Prayer were offered in the presence of St. Bernadette's relics.
- St. Jude Hall hosted the 6 Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experiences in English, Spanish, and for children. Many commented that it deepened their understanding and appreciation of St. Bernadette's witness and Our Lady's love.
- In Seton Hall, there was a steady line for Confessions, heard by parish and chancery clergy, and clergy from the neighboring seminary.
- At the Ordinariate Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a Lourdes shrine was set up with flowers and candles where pilgrims came to honor the Blessed Mother for her appearances under both of these titles - Saturday was especially blessed as it was the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and two Processions issued from the church to the shrine to give homage to Our Lady.
- In Newman Hall, a small army of parish volunteers maintained a first aid station (only 1 band-aid had to be given out!), a hospitality space and cooling station, light food & drink concessions, and our Shrine Shoppe.
"This event brought together many in our small but rapidly growing parish - our staff and elder members served alongside the youth, new members, and those entering the Church in our RCIA program - this shared act of service was wonderful in helping to form bonds that will maintain the familial character of our parish," concluded Caruthers.