Olivia: Growing up in Emmitsburg, MD at the base of the Grotto of Lourdes National Shrine has been a tremendous blessing for my family and me; Every year I've seen many pilgrims pass our driveway to visit the shrine and obtain graces (even miracles) from God through the intercession of Mary; What most of the pilgrims come for is the water, known for it's miraculous qualities; Now it was my turn to be the pilgrim and bathe in the waters. Before this trip my mom made sure I would bathe in these holy waters. I was a little sceptical at first because I figured I didn't need to dunk my whole self if other people had been cured just by drinking the water. But mothers (my mom and Mother Mary) know best. Surprisingly I wasn't that concerned with the whole fact that I needed to be completely undressed with only a towel to cover me in order to bathe. The nurses in the changing area were very kind and prayerful, which set me at ease. I realized that it takes great humility, however, to do this. So as I stood waiting in front of the curtain covering the bathes, not knowing what to expect, I held my towel close to me and could feel my heart beating. Beating with the desire to come to the waters; beating with hopes of my intentions being answered; beating with joy as I would make my way to Mary through the cleansing waters.
Two nurses stood on either side of me as they drew the curtain to reveal a tiny marble bath. They guided me into the very cold water and prayed the Hail Mary in French. I walked slowly across the bath to the little statue of Mary on the wall. I wasn't really thinking of anything; I was just so glad to be blessed to bathe in the water of Lourdes!
Overall, I am very thankful to God and Mary (and my mom) for gently prompting me to humble myself and receive the blessings God has in store for me and my family!
Kate: I have to admit, when I heard we had a chance to bathe in the waters at Lourdes,  thought, "It's a good thing I brought my swimsuit!" As it turns out, the baths were nothing like I thought they would be and so much more. This morning our group had some free time, so we decided to just look at where the baths were and see how long the wait would be. Since it was only a half hour, we decided to get in line. Women, men, and families are separated into different sections. I approached the overhang where the wooden benches were with some hesitation. A woman was praying the rosary in French over the loudspeaker and we were encouraged to pick up small, colored pieces of paper with a reflection on them for prepatory prayer. As I looked at the green sheet, something stuck out to me - "In calmness, with faith, humility, charity, and trust...we will grasp the deeper meaning of the waters and have no need to attribute other powers to it. God gives his grace freely, out of love." What a wonderful mystery and excellent point of reflection. I prayed for all those intentions entrusted to my prayer by my family and friends and wanted to bring them all into the water with me. Finally, I was called back beyond the outer curtain, where I waited for a nurse to call me back behind yet another curtain. The woman who invited me in was so kind, and, although we were separated by a language barrier, I felt entirely comfortable. She wrapped me in a blue sheet once I was undressed and led me to a curtain. I could hear water splashing inside and my mind was reeling with unknown expectations. Sarah, who was bathed before me, came out with a great smile on her face, which gave me much hope! Inside the bath was a small marble rectangle, a little larger than a regular bathtub. Two women knelt by the bath and wrapped in a cold, wet towel. They instructed me to step into the water, and the temperature was extremely cold but with a refreshing and rejuvinating feel. They led me toward the Blessed Mother, who I kissed on the head, and then guided me back in forth the length of the tub, praying the Hail Mary. I was trying my best to pray along in English, but truly was just taken aback by the importance of this whole experience. Once I left and was dressed, I waited outside by the river that flows by the grotto. I felt so light and joyful - completely peaceful. I had expected to cry when I entered the water, simply because I was so emotional praying beforehand, but the waters were so clean and welcoming, I couldn't help but feel entirely at peace. The reflection I read was entirely correct: it took faith, humility, charity, and trust, and I received wonderful graces and blessings from God. Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful and grace-filled experience.
Sarah: One thing I knew coming to Lourdes: I was NOT bathing. No way. I was not going to strip naked in front of anyone, I was not going to kiss any statues, and I was definitely not going to do this in French. But when we went to "see the baths," it turned out Mrs. Bird had another agenda.
"All right, let's go to the baths. You might never get this chance again, you've gotta do it!" Well, I couldn't resist this kind of pressure; it was the Voice of Truth after all! My only good reason for not bathing at Lourdes was my fear, which is a pretty bad reason. So I took a deep breath and joined the line.
It was a shockingly short wait. I grabbed a green paper with some prayers for preparing to bathe and thought wildly for an intention. Just before I was called to pass through the blue and white striped curtain, I remembered my prayer for this pilgrimage, for God's guidance as I enter my senior year and the first years after college, and I hurried under the curtain.
A woman in a navy apron waved to me, and I stood unsure, in front of a bench, trying to remember the directions printed above the curtain (How to Bathe at Lourdes for Dummies). Before I could change my mind, I headed toward her and entered the next layer of curtains.
The woman helped me take off my clothes, holding up a towel which she placed over my shoulders. And through the next curtain, two woman removed my towel and wrapped me in a cold wet cloth. They grabbed both my arms and carefully touched their fingers to their foreheads: "In the name of the Father. . .". I stepped into the water, "Hail Mary," they started the prayer in French and I followed along in English, moving deeper into the water with each word. "Sit down," they said. My eyes widened, but I bent my legs, and they lowered me into the water. Whew, it was cold! I turned around to exit the bath, and the women started to pray again "Notre Dame. . .". I didn't know this one! I thought back to the directions on the wall, and joined in with "St. Bernadetta, pray for us," and lifted my feet out of the water.
I smiled. I'd done it! Before I left, I approached the first woman who had helped me with my clothes."Thank you," I said, and gave her a little hug.
I left a little wet and a little smiley, and entirely grateful that Mrs. Bird had not let me pass on this experience. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
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