November 14th.   The diocese had organised a pilgrimage to Lourdes for a number of families who had members with disabilities. They had met beforehand to pray together and when sharing their stories all became very excited.  Would they or any of them be healed?  The trip was quite arduous for them but it was a most spiritually uplifting experience. “Was anyone healed?”  Bryan asked after they had come back. ”In a way, I suppose I can say that not one of us was completely cured from their disability but almost every one of us was healed spiritually. I know that God touched me personally even though I am still blind.” Jane said. The group then joined the SPRED movement for spiritual support of families having disabilities.

Scripture: “Son of David, have mercy on me.”  Jesus asked him, “What do you want?”. “ Lord let me receive my sight.”   Luke 18:35-41.  Pope Francis:   If the family, in the light of faith, accepts the presence of persons with special needs, they will be able to recognise and ensure the quality and value of every human life with its proper needs, rights and opportunities. AL 47. Once a human being declares independence from reality and behaves with absolute dominion the foundation of our life begins to crumble for instead of acting as a cooperator with God in the task of creation, man sets himself up in place of God.   LS 117