IVCC graduate Pat Wagner took a four-day healing pilgrimmage to Lourdes, France, but not as a pilgrim. Wagner, an R.N. currently working toward a bachelor's degree in nursing, was invited to go as a special assistant to the doctor she works for.
She and the doctor accompanied 18 people who took the trip, arranged by St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, in early November.
Wagner, said she was there to provide some help with wheelchairs, dietary requirements and in case of any accidents. Since there were very few problems, she had time to tour the holy site and surrounding area.
"I didn't know what to expect," she said. "I was glad that other people were with me so I knew I wouldn't get lost."
Lourdes is the site of the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, visited by people who drink from the spring and bath in the water to be healed. Wagner said this was the first year the hospital has arranged trips there, and the response has been very good.
Most people visit Lourdes from April to October. Since Wagner was in Lourdes during the low season, there were not many organized activities such as candle light processions and masses.
"We did a lot by ourselves," she said. "We lit candles and walked to the church. A priest with us said mass in one of the small chapels and at the grotto."
She described part of the site as "like Starved Rock with a cave and seats." Overall, she said the area was "touristee but maintained a spiritual atmosphere."
The worst part of the trip, Wagner said, was getting through the airports. She had been given a medical bag to take with her, and airport personnel confiscated her bandage scissors.
The best part of the trip was "just being there," she said.
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