Delegates from 19 countries gathered for the meeting—from the Americas to Australia. Lebanon and Sweden were represented for the first time.
The days were filled with intensive work, lightened by visits to the Grotto and the warm welcome of the Assumption sisters.
Together, we reviewed the Easter '81 pilgrimage program point by point, weighing possibilities, logistics, timing—all from the ground itself. Being there made everything real.
Two vigils gave us time to step back and pray. Friday evening, we heard brief reports on Fede e Luce around the world: we were struck by both the fragility and the growth of these communities.
Saturday evening brought reflection. Paolo Bertolini spoke simply, with humor, about fatherhood in a family raising a handicapped child. Louis Sankalè, a priest, and Marie Anne Kearney, a young friend from Ireland, shared how they prepare for the pilgrimage in their daily lives.
Overcoming the considerable language barriers at such a gathering, Robert Morgan, a friend from Canada, mimed the birth of a pilgrim—and drew real enthusiasm from us. Bit by bit, he revealed limbs, body, voice, sounds, colors, language, other people, and finally God.
Sunday, Jean Vanier spoke on the mystery of the Eucharist, the importance of "presence"—something the handicapped person feels so deeply—and Mary's role in Christian spirituality.
As evening came, we left carrying the farewell words of Marie Hélène: "I want to thank Mary for coming to this place to speak to Bernadette and for asking us so earnestly to come find her here."
In a few months, we will answer her call and gather at the Grotto. The date: Holy Thursday. During the months ahead, thousands of miles will separate us; we remain united in prayer, asking that our hearts be transformed into hearts full of true "com-passion".
(Translated from the French. International Secretariat)