‘Praying in front of St Bernadette's coffin was a very special privilege for me’

Day 10. Thursday 14 May, cycling pilgrimage to Lourdes  

Nevers - St Amand-Montrond

Happy feast day of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven.

I was fortunate enough to go to 10am Mass on this feast, at the packed chapel of the Sactuaire de St Bernadette. 

The cantor led the singing, which sounded beautiful. It was delightful to hear different hymns sung in French. 

I left Nevers and cycled across the bridge spanning the impressive Loire river.

Fortunately, the journey was just over 40 miles because it was a windy day and the strong headwind made cycling hard work. I think that the weather here is similar to that in Worcester.

Day 9. Wednesday 13 May, sponsored cycling pilgrimage to Lourdes  

Rest day in the city of Nevers 

Happy feast day of Our Lady of Fatima to everyone!

This morning I visited the ancient cathedral of Nevers. A huge restoration programme is currently underway, both inside and outside the cathedral. However, it is still possible to walk around part of this holy space. 

The vibrant stained glass windows are modern and very beautiful. In one of the side altars was a statue of a saint in armour slaying a dragon. I can only think it is St George, but nowhere could I find confirmation of this.

In the afternoon I walked the short distance to St Gilard's convent where Saint Bernadette lived the last years of her short life as a Sister of Charity. She died there at the age of 35. 

In the chapel lies St Bernadette's incorrupt body in a glass casket, clothed in her habit. I spent some time praying for all the young people sitting exams at this time. I know that the students at Blessed began their GCSE's yesterday.

St Bernadette found academic work extremely difficult and today she would be given extra help. School work was extremely frustrating and humbling for her. However, she coped with a great deal of fortitude. I would encourage anyone who finds academic learning a chore, to pray to St Bernadette for perseverance.

St Bernadette lived a life of poverty and as a child she contracted cholera and suffered from severe asthma for the rest of her life. Only too well did St Bernadette know what it meant to suffer. 

A beautiful quote from Saint Bernadette:

“My job is to be sick; it is God’s to take care of me.”

This reflects Bernadette’s profound trust in God’s will, even amidst her own suffering.

As a nun in the convent, she was given the ministry of being the Infirmarian, caring for the sick and aged nuns, which she carried out with great skill and kindness. I can only think that St Bernadette looks down from heaven with great sadness, at our society, when she sees the interpretation of abortion and assisted dying as 'healthcare'.

Praying in front of St Bernadette's coffin was a very special privilege for me. She is one of my heroines along with my hero, Blessed Edward Oldcorne SJ.

St Bernadette pray for us.

Day 8. Sponsored cycling pilgrimage to Lourdes 

Lamotte-Beuvron - Nevers

My abiding memory of Lamotte-Beuvron is walking into a pizza takeaway and meeting three young French Islamic guys who ran the shop. They were so welcoming and hospitable. The youngest guy was wearing an Arsenal football shirt with the name Martinelli on the back. As soon as I pointed to the shirt and said, 'Arsenal', all three of them said in chorus, 'Oui, Arsenal'! They were dyed in the wool Arsenal fans who had no shadow of a doubt that they would beat PSG in the Champions League Final as well as the Premiership. I hope that one day soon they will be able to visit the Emirates Stadium to watch the team play. By the way, their pizzas are superb!

Today, was perfect weather for cycling. I stopped for coffee and a panini at Aubigny-sur-Nère, a charming, historic town.

One feature stood out more than anything else. It was a monument. On the entrance facade of the châtelet, the coat of arms of the Stuarts d'Aubigny proudly stands opposite a huge sword surrounded by water and rocks: the monument of the Auld Alliance, symbol of the alliance sealed between France and Scotland in 1295 against the common enemy, the English. I know that my dear Scottish cousins, the Sweeneys from Glasgow, will enjoy reading this and looking at the photograph of the monument. 

I arrived in the city of Nevers this evening, after a long ride but I now have my second rest day, tomorrow. I will be able to visit the Sanctuaire of Nevers, where Saint Bernadette's body lies. To make a pilgrimage to Nevers has always been a dream of mine and now I am here. I will also be here to go to Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on Thursday.

I am so grateful for all the good wishes, prayers and support from everyone 🙏.  

Please donate to the Medical Centre fund, thank you