Whoever sets foot on the so-called “White Train” that transports the sick to Lourdes, upon returning will no longer be the same person who left, and absolutely cannot be.
The real miracle, linked to this place at the foot of the Pyrenees, is not that one comes out “dry” from the pools after having bathed (renewal of baptism) but, is that one witnesses something that at times seems unlikely; the real miracle is in the fullness of love and humility that is done in this place, so that it can be transferred into daily life.
Everyone leaves with many expectations, we return full of hope and with the certainty that Our Lady has listened to us.
An experience of strong emotional impact that I suggest everyone do at least once in their life, regardless of their Christian faith.
Lourdes is “the waiting room of Heaven”, it is a challenge with oneself, even if, lending a hand to those in difficulty, should be “something” that reveals itself naturally; otherwise we cannot speak of the human race.
The narrative is a “minefield” considering the fact that the pages of the novel collect the Christian faith, dotted with many jovial episodes of which the author is the protagonist.
Yes, right there, in a sacred logo; after all, “Jesus suggests we smile at life” is what the author has always supported and he has undoubtedly made this advice his own, applying it in any circumstance.
The story is freely inspired by reality, it is the author's experience and his many journeys aboard the train, as a "stretcher-bearer".
Therefore it wants to be a tribute to the stretcher-bearers and ladies who work to assist the sick during the journey and their stay in Lourdes.
The journey and stay last a week and many of them consider it a real vacation that for once a year takes them away from the loneliness and monotony of life.
You fall in love, you make new friends. Smiles, caresses, hugs, during this experience abound, and like fragrant nectar, they flood all those who participate.
In the pages of the story are expressed the states of mind of those I have known and whom I will never forget; it underlines my state of mind put to the test in many circumstances, as from when I began to carry out my service at the pools. There is a chapter, entitled "The day of days", it is precisely the day in which, I believe that Jesus literally showed me the path to follow.
In the story, beyond the meticulousness of the journey, the importance of the sacraments and commandments is underlined, the third in particular "Remember to keep holy the holidays" (Christmas and Easter). Episodes of real life, during which circumstances occurred that certainly conferred Holiness, certainly not to the author but to all those who happened to pass by.
“Solidarity is the Prince sentiment on which respect between peoples and individuals is founded”, I support and will support until my last breath. The text, among its many objectives, has precisely that of sensitizing everyone towards this “way of being”.
Smiling seriously at life and seriously feeling like men; in the end, in the presence of those who have different abilities from ours, we are the ones who benefit, the "guests" as defined in the story transfer joy and love unconditionally.
So what? Are they the “disabled” or are we the ones who get pissed off if we can’t find a parking spot?
Probably our disabilities (me first), are not visible, they reside in the soul.
The story is also a great thanksgiving to God for the fortunate condition of self-sufficiency.
Article published on 17 September 2023 - 19:21
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