Deeper Listening: Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Day 28 of 100 days of blogging

At the Warrior Women’s Empowerment and Wellness Retreat last weekend, we had time for contemplation of questions during a Discovery Walk. The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes devoted to Our Mother Mary in Emmitsburg, Maryland was a short 15 minute drive from the retreat center so it seemed like the perfect time to visit.

The words on the Grotto website: It is a beacon of light, hope, courage and inspiration for those who visit this sacred spot.

http://msmary.edu/grotto/index.html

 

It was a gorgeous fall day and I spent the afternoon in silence. Deeper Listening. Emptying myself. Reflecting. There were no big AHA’s or revelations. Sometimes in the process of deeper listening, we just need a space to be. To give time and space for digestion and integration of all of the thoughts and signs and input around us. I drank from the Holy Grotto water, walked in silence and reverence with the hundreds of people who were kneeling, praying, and on a pilgrimage for healing and sat in the chapel in silent meditation for 30 minutes.

There is a powerful, sacred energy at the Grotto, a place that honors Mary who has appeared in different apparitions around the world. Different cultures. Different ethnicity. All with the energy of love.

Some of the Shrines:

Our Lady of Guadalupe

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Our Lady of LaVang

 

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Our Lady of Lourdes

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Padre Pio

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For some reason, you were drawn to this blogpost today. I encourage you to sit with the energy that was captured in the photos. Let the love and healing wash over you today. I invite you to share your personal insights and requests for prayer in the comments.

Blessings to you all.

 

 

 

 

And a bonus. A song by Rickie Byars Beckwith, Agape Spiritual Center:

 

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315353_10201052497332086_1044127686_nAndrea Hylen believes in the power of our voice to usher in a new world. She is the founder of Heal My Voice, an organization that inspires women and men to heal a story, reclaim personal power and step into greater leadership.  Andrea discovered her unique gifts while parenting three daughters and learning to live life fully after the deaths of her brother, son and husband. In addition to serving as Heal My Voice’s Executive Director, Andrea is an Orgasmic Meditation Teacher and Sexuality Coach.

She is following her intuition as she collaborates with women and men in organizations and travels around the world speaking, teaching and leading workshops. Her passion is authentically living life and supporting others in doing the same. To connect with Andrea and learn about current projects go to: www.andreahylen.com and www.healmyvoice.org.

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