Bishop Jaime Soto's reflection during his holy days spent in the sacred surrounding of Loudes:
The fact that most frail, anguished,limping and infirmed come here,and leave still the same befuddled the more pragmatic, sensible mind. Here millions are drawn from around the world to the miraculous cures that are supposed to have had taken place. The fact that most of the frail, anguished, limping, weary and infirmed pilgrims gather there and then leave in the same state baffle any rational observer who would have expected otherwise.
What baffles many? These infirmed pilgrims of Loudes comes with a hope of being cured and how Loudes does not disappoint them. Rather the continuous convergence of those crippled with all kinds of physical ailments contiguously fill the atmosphere with joy.To the uninitiated these seem absurd; should not they be let down, disappointed? Had not God let them down agaon!! Where are the miracles? But the power of Loudes is found in the Gloty of God revealed through human frality.(The credence in the Incarnation is tested in the crucible of human suffering. It is precisely in such moments that His Glory is revealed). " Bishop Sota. Loudes and all sites related to Mother Mary has its core in Jesus Christ. Mary is actually beckoning us to share her Son's work. Typically, in Loudes, Mary asking us to contemplate the wondrous mystery of her Son's glory reflected in our brothers and sisters sufferings. How? - those who are often hidden and/or shuffled are now out and in full view of everyone, no more discussed in hushed tones. Here they are announced to one and all.(They become a sacramental sign of the Body of Christ).Their cry for assistance and care are made manifestly clear that which is true for all of us:We are all one Body.
Consider this: oftimes the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick are celebrated as "private" sacraments carried between the patients and close members. This is due to the manner of its sobriety, and the circumstances under which the sacraments are celebrated i.e. in a hospital or in a confessional, These sacraments even though administered to an individual are intended to strengthen and console the whole Church. When the sinner and sick received these sacraments they invariably try to invoke God's grace revealed to the Church and them."Their weakness and frailty is the opportunity for God's hand to bring healing and mercy. says St.Paul:(2Cor 12:9)
" I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me".
At Loudes, these sick and infirmed "gladly boast" of their weakness so that Christ may dwell in them. Thus Loudes the whole Body of Christ joins them in this "paradoxical" boast. In thus way, these sick minister to the rest of the Church - they become an occasion of joy for what Christ has done and continue to do.
Thus the creation of Loudes, a place for the sick and the crippled members of the Church, presents Virgin Mary an opportunity to continue revealing the graces and mercy of her Son, Jesus..
(Lk. 1:49) "The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name."
" I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me".
At Loudes, these sick and infirmed "gladly boast" of their weakness so that Christ may dwell in them. Thus Loudes the whole Body of Christ joins them in this "paradoxical" boast. In thus way, these sick minister to the rest of the Church - they become an occasion of joy for what Christ has done and continue to do.
Thus the creation of Loudes, a place for the sick and the crippled members of the Church, presents Virgin Mary an opportunity to continue revealing the graces and mercy of her Son, Jesus..
(Lk. 1:49) "The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name."
