Lourdes

Lourdes

Throughout my life one of my dreams was a yearning to go to Lourdes. I cannot explain why; all I knew was that, for some unknown reason, I was receiving a 'call' to go and visit.

I have watched a video of the film 'The Song of Bernadette' many times and experienced a 'tingling' sensation on each occasion. No other film has ever had this effect on me but I wondered whether it was simply my imagination playing games.

In 1999, my dream came true, when I had the opportunity to go to Lourdes with a group of people from a local church. I did not worship there; indeed I am of a different faith. I discussed my feelings with several friends and clergy, the outcome of which was the advice to go with a completely open mind. "Let Lourdes come to you", said a good friend. I thought this was sound philosophy and I decided to do as advised. I did very little research so that I did not have any pre-conceived ideas before my visit. My only background knowledge was the film.

As I stepped from the aeroplane at Lourdes Airport the atmosphere felt totally different from any of my previous visits to places in the United Kingdom or abroad. I had the distinct feeling of 'déjà-vu' but I tried to put this to the back of my mind. I had not been anywhere near The Pyrenees before now; I decided my imagination really was playing tricks!

I spent five wonderful days in Lourdes and its surrounds with most exceptional friends. I met others from all over the world and I witnessed the awe-inspiring faith of some very sick people who were not expecting miracles. One plucky lad was carried onto the aeroplane on a stretcher (and this was not an isolated case). They were there to give thanks for life and the smiles on their faces taught me more than a thousand words ever could.

I began to feel a little embarrassed with my reaction in Lourdes, but at no time was I humiliated with the way I felt. Every person, local or otherwise, treated me as a friend. It was awe-inspiring in that I found I was really able to be 'me' and not have to put on an act because they appeared to expect something else.

One of the feast-days given to St Bernadette by The Faithful is held on April 16, the day of her death. This was to be the first of the many areas of 'coincidence' I found. My birthday is April 16 - out of 365 days in a year this is the one!

For me, the visit was a revelation. There were far too many areas of coincidence to consider; these feelings could not all be a pigment of my imagination. "There is no such thing as coincidence", said another friend. Then there was another instance when, to the concern of those around me, I looked as though I had seen a ghost and was in a state of total shock! Yet I felt so very safe.

I have not discovered any conclusive explanation for any of my experiences or feelings. However, I do not believe any of it was due to vivid imagination. I did not experience a vision but certainly there was some kind of mysterious 'aura'. I felt the same sensation of tingling when in Lourdes as I do when watching the film, but I am unable to explain anything.

However, I have had many email messages since I first wrote this from people who have experienced the same kind of emotions who, like me, cannot find any feasible explanation. All I do know, however, is that whilst I was in Lourdes I had an urge to leave my job and remove to another location 300 km away.

This I did and it was by far the best decision I have ever made. Call it coincidence if you like, but I had not considered the possibility of moving, even though I had always wanted to live in the area where I am now. My health is better, I am told I look younger and life is great again. Until Lourdes, moving house, happiness and the 'feel good' factor were pipe dreams.

Lourdes did come to me; my life changed and my outlook is now much more positive. I could not have done this without some kind of energy to guide me; probably there will never be an explanation that will satisfy all.