Reflection by: Perpetua
Chronicles of a pilgrim – Day 6 – LOURDES | LOYOLA | SAN SEBASTIAN
#sequelachristi2024
Today is a special day—it’s my late brother’s birthday. He would have turned 21 today. Ambrose passed away last year. He had a condition called Muscular Dystrophy, which he was born with. This condition causes progressive muscle degeneration, and over time, it gradually affected all of his muscles.
In spite of his limitations, Ambrose was always cheerful, always finding something to be happy about. He had a deep devotion to Mother Mary, and even through his discomfort and pain, he trusted that she would intercede for him and hold him through it all. His faith and positive outlook, despite life’s challenges, inspired me in so many ways. The way he lived out his faith drew me closer to Christ and Our Lady.
It was his example that ultimately led me to embark on this pilgrimage—a journey to visit Lourdes and Fatima, Marian sites that Ambrose also visited with our grandma when he was about 9 years old!
This morning, as I reflect on Ambrose’s life, the emotions are heavy. I’m filled with both gratitude for having witnessed his life and with grief over his loss. In this moment, I realise that Our Lady, too, understands the depth of this pain. She endured the unimaginable when she lost her Son. Yet, despite her sorrow, she never asked, “Why me?” She simply accepted God’s will.
This acceptance of God’s will is something I deeply admire, but also struggle with. In my grief, there are moments when I question, but I know that Our Lady’s example calls me to embrace God’s will, even when it’s difficult.
Leaving Lourdes felt bittersweet. It will always have a special place in my heart. As we departed from Lourdes, I stayed hopeful that Mother Mary will continue to walk with me on this journey.
After Lourdes, we continued our journey to the Loyola Sanctuary, the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order, experienced a powerful spiritual conversion that radically changed the direction of his life. His dedication to discernment and prayer, seeking God in every aspect of life, is something I deeply admire. St. Ignatius teaches us that faith is not just about grand gestures but about finding God in the ordinary moments, whether it’s in our work, relationships, or struggles.
As I reflect on his life, I’m reminded of the call to live my own faith more intentionally. Just as St. Ignatius sought to serve God in all things, I want to live with the same spirit of devotion and service. His teachings encourage us to always seek God’s will through prayer, reflection, and action. Inspired by both my brother’s example and St. Ignatius’s life journey, I hope to continue growing in my relationship with Christ, trusting that he will walk with me every step of the way, along with Our Lady’s intercession.