Bishop leads local pilgrims on trip to France

A group of 84 pilgrims from the Diocese of Cleveland is visiting France with Bishop Edward Malesic.  The 11-day trip began Oct. 11 as they traveled from Cleveland to Toulouse, France, arriving on Oct. 12.

Regular updates about the pilgrimage with photos provided by Deacon Dennis Conrad and Mark Bobal will be shared online and on social media.

Day 4 - Torchlight Procession at Lourdes

Many visitors to Lourdes, France say the nightly torchlight procession is one of the most memorable parts of their visit. Typically, large crowds gather for the event.

The 84 pilgrims from the Diocese of Cleveland who are visiting Lourdes with Bishop Edward Malesic agreed as they joined the torchlight procession on Oct. 14. The procession began at 9 p.m. with hundreds of pilgrims walking by candlelight behind a lighted statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary as they sang and prayed. The procession takes place each night from April through November.

On Oct. 14, Bishop Malesic could be seen mingling and walking with the faithful during the procession.

Pilgrims assembled at the Grotto of Massabielle within the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes where they lit their candles and prepared for the procession. As night fell, they began processing along the Esplanade praying the rosary in different languages and singing “Ave Maria of Lourdes.”

The procession ended opposite the Basilica of the Rosary.

A pilgrim lights Bishop Malesic's candle during the procession.

Diocesan pilgrims walking in procession with near the Basilica of the Rosary in Lourdes.

Day 4 - Lourdes

Oct. 14, the fourth day of the 11-day diocesan pilgrimage to France, was a busy one as the 84 pilgrims, led by Bishop Edward Malesic, spent the entire day in Lourdes.

They started the day with an English Mass celebrated by Bishop Malesic and other clergy in the Grotto of the Apparitions. After Mass, they were able to tour the sanctuary, grotto and upper basilica.

Then after lunch, the pilgrims spent an hour in the St. Joseph Chapel at a private water gesture ceremony, washing their hands in water from the Lourdes spring.

. Two deacons on the pilgrimage – Dick Beercheck and Dennis Conrad – assisted Bishop Malesic and Father Dan Schlegel at the ceremony.

That evening, the group was invited to participate in the procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the blessing of the sick.

Pilgrims participate in a ritual at the Lourdes as their hands are washed with water from the shrine.

Day 1, 2, 3 - Arrival and Toulouse

During their first day in France – Oct. 12 – the pilgrims checked into their hotel in Toulouse, enjoyed dinner and met with the guide who will accompany them throughout the trip.

The first full day of the pilgrimage – Oct. 13 – was spent exploring Toulouse. Included were a walking tour of the city and a visit to the Old Quarter. That morning, the bishop celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, located on the site of the previous basilica dating to the 4th century. The remains of St. Saturnin (also known as Sernin), the first bishop of Toulouse, are located in the basilica.

The group walked to the Church of Jacobins, where they viewed the relics of St. Thomas Aquinas. Then they traveled to Lourdes, where they enjoyed a reception at their hotel.

Bishop Malesic standing outside the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.

Bishop Malesic celebrates Mass at the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.