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* SOME
OF THESE MEN HAVE COME IN THEIR EARLY YEARS OF FORMATION WHILE OTHERS HAVE
COME AS DEACONS AND NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS. EACH OF THEM HAS SEEN THEIR
VOCATION BLOSSOM AS A RESULT OF THE LOURDES MINISTRY.
*
NO WHERE ELSE IN THE CHURCH OR IN
THE WORLD CAN SO MANY ASPECTS OF THE MINISTERIAL ROLE OF SERVICE AND WITNESS
TO THE CHURCH COME TOGETHER AND SERVE AS A SIGN OF VALUE TO THE PEOPLE OF
GOD.
* THIS BECOMES
ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN WE WITNESS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GATHERED TOGETHER IN ONE
PLACE SUCH AS LOURDES, FRANCE.
BROTHER
MARTIN SIENA MARCHETTI, O.P., WHO TRAVELED WITH OUR 2005
PILGRIMAGE WRITES,
The highlight of my time spent in Lourdes was my
experience while in the baths. They are truly a place for revelation and
healing. It was during my experience while in the midst of my bath in the
miraculous water of Lourdes that I felt that I was divinely inspired to
re-consecrate my life in the Order of Friars Preachers to the Queen of
Heaven. I am convinced beyond all doubt that consecration to the Blessed
Virgin is the best means to a holy and successful priesthood. That is what I
most desire!
SEMINARIANS
GENERALLY ARE SO IMMERSED IN THE ACADEMIC LIFE WITH VERY LIMITED EXPERIENCE
OF THE MINISTERIAL VOCATION.
THIS INTENSE
WORK DURING THEIR STAY IN LOURDES BECOMES FOR THEM THE REALITY OF WHAT
PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE ARE ALL ABOUT.
FOR THESE
YOUNG MEN, THE EXPERIENCE OF LOURDES IS INVALUABLE AND IT IS ONLY THROUGH
THE GENEROSITY OF BENEFACTORS THAT THIS PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE.
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