Monsignor Schwanger celebrated the Mass of Departure of St. Bernadette on Easter Monday morning. "All that happens through Lourdes happens because we are drawn into the heart of Christ. . . Christ lives in us, and there is healing and life to be found in Christ. He fills us with joy in His presence."
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St. Bernadette arrived in the United States on April 7, 2022, but she did not make it to the 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Delayed in Customs, the water of Lourdes arrived before she did.
Msgr. Schwanger explained in his homily, "St. Bernadette could have cooked this up. She wanted the focus to be on Our Lady because her message is not about her, but about her faith that she wants to share with us. Our Lady told St. Bernadette that the people should come in procession, drink, and wash of the water. Bernadette took her relationship with Mary very seriously and we are here, enveloped by the embrace of Bernadette, in cooperation with the Virgin. As we do the Gesture of the Water, pray for healing of the mind, body, and spirit."
After Mass, a steady stream of people went to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall to receive the Gesture of the Water.
St. Bernadette arrived at 3:00 p.m. and was transported onto the main altar of the Church in the beautiful reliquary.
Mass was celebrated by Father James Arriola at 7:00 p.m., with the Gesture of the Water following Mass.
