Lourdes in the light

view from the top of the Rosary Basilica towards the Domain
© Teresa Newham

It was wonderful to make the Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes for Our Lady's feast day again!  The beautiful sunshine showed off the mosaics on the facade of the Rosary Basilica to their best advantage, and added a glow to the ones inside.

mosaics outside and inside the Rosary Basilica
© Teresa Newham

As we made our way from the Basilica towards the domain the trees were stark against the sky and dusted with snow, while flowers were already being left at the railings around Our Lady's statue, as thousands of pilgrims arrived from all over the world.

glorious views
© Teresa Newham

Along the steep path to the Upper Stations of the Cross there was a stunning view of the Pyrenees. Mistletoe crowded the branches of the trees above us, while in front and behind we could hear groups praying and singing in a multitude of languages.

the Crucifixion - one of the Upper Stations of the Cross
© Teresa Newham

The Stations themselves are large cast iron figures showing Jesus' path to his Crucifixion - the most dramatic sculpture of all, which was lit from behind by the setting sun.  We paused before each of the fifteen Stations in turn to make our own prayers.

pilgrims
© Teresa Newham

As the feast day drew nearer, more and more coachloads of pilgrims appeared, many with candles of various sizes, others with banners, flags and even a guitar.  The largest candles represent the prayers of a parish or a whole diocese.

pilgrims' candles at the Chapel of Light
© Teresa Newham

The candles were bound for the Chapel of Light - a collection of booths on the river bank opposite the Grotto. Pilgrims place their candles in one of the hundreds of candle holders with a prayer - for a loved one, a sick relative, a friend in distress.

pilgrims lining the river bank at the Grotto
© Teresa Newham

Perhaps because the feast day fell on a weekend, I have never seen such crowds at Lourdes before. As  I made my way through them I paused to add my own prayers at the Grotto to those of the thousands of people lining both banks of the river: Ave, Ave, Ave Maria!

the River Gave, looking towards the Domain
© Teresa Newham

A Celtic Cross for Easter

the Celtic cross - a powerful and ancient symbol
original linocut by Teresa Newham

For my Easter card design this year I've turned to the image of the Celtic cross.  As anyone who is interested in Celtic imagery knows, there are many stories about its origins and history.  For me as a Catholic it symbolises the sun (Son) rising behind the cross of crucifixion, and reminds me that we come to the love of God through our sorrows and difficulties in life.

This day was made by the Lord

Let us rejoice, let us be glad

This day was made by the Lord

Let us rejoice in salvation.

Whatever problems or hardships you might be facing right now, I wish you a happy and blessed Easter in the love of Christ.

the Celtic Cross in a variety of colour combinations
original linocut design by Teresa Newham

Holy Week

design for 2015 Easter Card
© Teresa Newham

So, it's Holy Week! the high point of the Church's year.  In our household, we as Catholics are called upon to embark on a journey this week as we enter dramatically, prayerfully and personally into the passion, death and resurrection of our Saviour.

It's a solemn and moving time, and for those of us lucky enough to be in the choir, an opportunity to sing some of the most beautiful music, both today on Palm Sunday and during  the three services of the Easter Triduum, culminating in the joyful Mass on Easter morning (followed by a jolly afternoon as we bring out the chocolate, crisps or whatever else it was that we gave up for Lent).

The daffodils in the Easter cards I've painted this year symbolise the hope and joy of the Resurrection which follows on from Christ's Passion and Crucifixion.  May you be blessed this Easter with this hope and joy.