Effective halftime report from the pilgrimage of a lifetime

It would be difficult to envision a more distinct line of demarcation in this European part of my search for faith, grace and miracles, than today.

First, from the standpoint of arithmetic, on this 17-day excursion, logic dictates that I hit the actual halfway point at sometime during this 9th day. Second, being that this is September 30th, the trip folds neatly between the September portion and the October portion. Thirdly, as I leave Lourdes, I leave behind 20 of the 25 people I have toured with. 5 of us are being handed off tomorrow morning to a different group, to complete tour package 55.

Today's goal up to now, and throughout the rest of the day, is to get all I reasonably can out of Lourdes before dinner and try my best to get a decent night's sleep before tomorrow's early rise.

As for today, let me show you where we started things off with Mass.

In that tall center tower, to the left of the crown is a little chapel. That's where we celebrated Mass.

After Mass, I toured the upper Basilica (the tower) before we went down to the information center to watch a video on the history of Lourdes. We then hiked a magnificent mountain side "Way of the Cross" that rose to a height of 1500 feet. Finally, I toured the lower Basilica.

See assorted pictures below. This will be my last article from this place. I will spend the rest of my day in prayer and devotion and petition.

Tomorrow, it's on to Toulouse and Rocamadour!