On July 24–31, 2026, the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in France-Belgium organized a week of encounter and fraternity in Lourdes. The event brought together families and individuals eager to share an experience of solidarity. About five hundred participants of all ages gathered at Cité Saint-Pierre, a hospitality center operated by Secours Catholique-Caritas France, in the hills surrounding the Shrine of Lourdes.
The theme of the week was “If You Knew the Gift of God.” It was taken from Jesus’ dialogue with the Samaritan woman. Each day featured a theme for reflection based on the different moments of the encounter between the woman and Jesus. Finally, the reflections led to the question, “Whom are you seeking?” inviting everyone to set out toward an encounter with Christ, to allow themselves to be met by Him, to welcome Him into their lives, and to open the door of their hearts to Him.
The participating children were divided into different age groups and took part in age-appropriate activities, while the adults listened to various personal testimonies and reflections. The speakers included young people from the Cenacolo Community, the Dominican friar Antoine-Marie (the uncle of a friar in the Custody), and other young people and laypersons. The presence of the Assistant General for the Centralis Europae Foederatio (CEF), Friar Vincenzo COSATTI, was particularly significant. He spent several days with the participants and also offered a reflection on life in the Spirit.
To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the troupe “Laudato si’“ performed its show dedicated to the Saint.
During the week, the participants took part in the celebrations and activities of the Shrine, such as the Eucharistic procession, the torchlight procession, and Mass at the grotto. During their free time, they engaged in prayer and fraternal events. The friars of the Saint-Maximilien de Lourdes Friary, assisted by other friars serving there, were greatly appreciated as they welcomed groups coming to explore the exhibition on St. Maximilian Kolbe.
The week gave many families an opportunity to spend time together and experience life at a different pace than usual. The priests were in great demand for the sacrament of confession, while two tents dedicated to Eucharistic adoration and the Rosary provided an opportunity to spend time reflecting and engaging in prayerful dialogue with the Lord. Nearby, the refreshment area became a place for fellowship, enlivened by various musical activities and a “philosophy café.”
At the end of the week, the participants returned to their respective communities, carrying the memories of their experience with them and already looking forward to the next fraternity week.
Friar Jean-François-Marie AUCLAIR
