"Come & See: the story of Lourdes" with Fr Michael Liston - 17 November 2013 (SS102fm programme excerpt)(S03E51b)

In this excerpt from the weekly programme, we have a discussion with Fr Michael Liston about his new book "Come & See: the story of Lourdes".Lourdes has been part of Fr Michael's life since 1963 when he hitchhiked to Lourdes and worked in the City of the Poor for two weeks. It began a relationship with Lourdes which has continued right up to today when Fr Michael was always curious about the events of Lourdes.As Bishop Donal Murray notes in the foreword this book is the fruit of many years of during which the author has pondering in his heart the story of Lourdes and about being a pilgrim in Lourdes. It is a story of a person passionate about Lourdes. Lourdes shows the church and the world as they ought to be where the sick and the marginalised have first place in the community where the young enthusiastic volunteers learn to be at the service of all.The book is split into two parts - the history of the events at Lourdes and then a series of reflections on the meaning of Lourdes and pilgrimage. The story of Lourdes is one of gentleness, friendship, wonder and a reminder to penance being a small part of it. It is a story of a parish response to an event out of the ordinary led by some of the youngsters - the poorest of the community - who led the way. People bring their pain and sufferings to Lourdes but yet it is a place of peace, friendship grounded in the original relationship between "It" and Bernadette. There is a huge opportunity to hear afresh the story of our faith in a new way.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at [email protected]