Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The eight-day Filipino pilgrimage to Lourdes (September 5 –13) was indeed a success! The long travel with the bus was organized carefully to ensure the satisfaction of the pilgrims. Along the way, the pilgrims recited the Holy Rosary, sang Marian songs, prayed the Angelus. From time to time, explanation of famous and important places was given. Of course, several stopovers were done to attend to the usual human necessities, which at the same time gave us the chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery.

In Lourdes, the weather was terrific – sunny and cold. The number of pilgrims from around the world was great. One could easily notice the ongoing preparation for the coming of the Pope on the 14th.

Since most of the pilgrims in our group were no longer first-timers in Lourdes, they were already acquainted with the religious activities in the holy place. Aside from the daily participation in the general religious activities, such as holy Masses, procession with the sick, and evening candle light procession, our group also did the way of the cross, the recitation of the holy rosary, and the guided tour of the holy place. During free time, most headed towards the Basilica, took the holy bath, fetched holy water, and bought religious souvenirs.

Other activities also included were the visit to the hometown of Bernadette, drive to the mountainous area of Gavarnie, and a whole afternoon stopover in Nevers before departing for Germany.

Jubilee Celebration in Freiburg

Just as couples celebrate their silver (25 years) and diamond (60 years) wedding anniversaries, so do the religious do the same with their perpetual profession. Last September 28, Fr. Heinz Sperlbaum and Fr. Norbert Riebartsch celebrated their diamond and silver jubilees respectively as perpetually professed Camillians. Simultaneously, Fr. Paul Wuttke celebrated his 40 years service as chaplain at the University Clinic in Freiburg.

Triple Birthday Celebrations

Three Camillians from Mönchengladbach community, Bro. Johannes Berens (60), Fr. Ferdinand Pützhoven (70), and Fr. Johannes Uhrmann (80), organized a combined birthday celebration last October 12 at the Restaurant Haus Schellen in Korschenbroich. A good number of guests joined the happy celebration.  Bro. Berens is working as a nurse in the hospital, Fr. Pützhoven is the superior in Mönchengladbach, and Fr. Uhrmann is already in retirement.