During the week of July 3 to 10, 2024, the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in France-Belgium hosted a gathering of families in Lourdes that was open to all. Preparations for this year’s Chapter of Families took more than two years, and culminated in this event, which was supported by 160 volunteers.
Nearly nine hundred people from the regions near our friaries, and even further away, were able to experience the joy of Lourdes and the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Divided into different age groups, the children and young people followed one program of activities that was designed especially for them, while the adults participated in formation sessions and workshops.
The theme of the gathering was: “With Joy You Will Draw Water from the Fountains of Salvation” (Is 12:3). Each day, these “fountains” were explored in depth: the Church, baptism, the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary, fraternity, and the Word of God.
Being in Lourdes allowed everyone to live according to the rhythms of the Shrine, with Eucharistic and Marian processions and Masses in the grotto. At the same time, we continued to make our presence known in this shrine city thanks to an exhibition dedicated to St. Maximilian M. Kolbe.
Inspired by the joy of this warm and fraternal gathering, and by the enthusiasm of the participants, we are already preparing for the next Chapter of Families, which will be held July 24-31, 2026.
Friar Jean François M. AUCLAIR
