The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor

May 31, 2024

First of all, shout out to my husband whose birthday it is. Happy Birthday, Nelio! Today is simply a day to get from the airport to my first destination. I landed in Paris around noon. There is a 6 hour difference between France and the east coast so it felt like 6:00 in the morning. From the airport it’s about a one hour metro ride into Paris where I catch my train to go south to Lourdes. Paris is in full construction mode for the Olympics. Banners, signs, cranes, and the Olympic rings are everywhere. They have about 6 more weeks until the Olympics starts and I’m sure under pressure to get it all done.

The people here have been nothing but kind, but one stands out. I arrived at the Paris train station after little sleep the night before, no food (they did feed me but it wasn’t very appetizing), and hauling my luggage up and down several sets of stairs in the metro. With 30 minutes before I needed to head for the train, I ducked into an Italian restaurant in the station. I attempted French but apparently it wasn’t understandable. One female employee was the only person who spoke some English. She must have noticed my face when she told me that to eat at the restaurant I had to go upstairs (and no, there is no elevator). I settled to take it to go. She took pity on me and told me instead of waiting for the food upstairs, I could wait downstairs. When I asked where the bathrooms were she informed me, you guessed it, they were upstairs. But she quickly added she would watch my luggage so I didn’t have to take it up with me. She was patient, kind, and loving and provided me with the two things I needed most: a bathroom and food. By the way, the caprese salad, lightly carbonated limonatta, and Nutella tiramisu were all amazing. She changed my whole mindset and attitude in our 10 minute interaction. What if everyone did that?

The train ride was beautiful with lots of trees, farming, and incredible landscapes.

I arrived at Lourdes at 9:00 and walked the refreshing 1 mile journey to the Religious Sisters of the Assumption Center of Lourdes, a convent with an active nun community. As a pilgrim, I’m only staying in convents and monasteries relishing in the simplicity, spirituality, and kindness of others. Plus my room fees provide income for often struggling communities. If you are ever interested there is an entire website: monasterystays.com. That’s how I found most of them although I booked directly with the monastery instead of this site. I saw some spectacular views along the way including the two famous landmarks: the castle and the Sanctuary. Tomorrow I get to explore this town and find out why millions come here every year.