Helped by a handful of friends, Melinda and Manuel Henson, American Hospitaliers of Lourdes, just launched an internet website www.friendsoflourdesusa.com, to promote in the United States the 150th anniversary of the Apparitions of Lourdes. A wonderful and pleasant initiative, supported by Monsignor Jacques Perrier, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, it is the venue to announce the Jubilee Year 2008.
“An American Jesuit priest has guided the pastoral part of this project from the start,” said Melinda. “We are also supported by Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, who himself is a great friend of Lourdes.”
Launched last May 11th, the site is aimed at relaying the Jubilee year 2008 in all the parishes and communities of the United States, which are tied up to those with names of Lourdes, St. Bernadette and Immaculate Conception (there are more than 700). It matters especially that the site compliments the 2008 site of the Sanctuary of Lourdes www.lourdes2008.com.
“The idea of creating this venue came about in the meeting with Pere Regis-Marie de la Teyssonniere, chaplain of Lourdes, who himself is sent on a mission around the world by Monsignor Jacques Perrier, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes,” said Manuel.
Melinda, the head of the site, and Manuel, her “associate”, very quickly found friends who worked on the project: Lisa, 23 years old, Christina and Rombert, 40 years old, joined in creating www.friendsoflourdesusa.com.
From the beginning and already on the way towards 2008, the site of the Friends of Lourdes USA proposes to benchmark the historical and spiritual aspects in the parish level, giving reference to books, videos and other DVD. It will be enriching as it goes along in the months to come. With a smile Melinda concluded, “ We are enthusiastic and truly committed to this work of evangelization.”
Blessings to the Hensons and their friends, the jubilee adventure has begun on the other side of the Atlantic.