“Where Echoes Meet – Nine Lives Changed by Lourdes” – A Review

If you want a book that will change the way you think about life – this may well be the book for you.

Let me explain:

Firstly:

I have had the privilege of going to Lourdes as a helper many times and feel that I know the place pretty well. I have read a number of books all about the place but none have managed to capture the real essence of what Lourdes is really about.

After many trips people ask me to explain what’s so special about Lourdes. I try to explain, but I never seem to be able to do so adequately. Certainly I never thought that I would find the true essence of Lourdes in black & white.

When I came back for the first time many years ago, I had my photos of the Basilicas, the amazing architecture, the crowds, the processions and so on. Then when I met up with others after our return, I saw their photos – of people in our group, of the special times, of moments of change and enlightenment. And this is my point – it’s not the place that make Lourdes what it is, it’s the people.
The author has realised this and dedicates very very little page space to Lourdes the place or indeed to the story of Bernadette. The book tells the stories of nine amazing people and how Lourdes changed their lives and equally importantly, the lives of their families and friends including those who never even travelled there. Through these stories you can understand what it’s really all about and why people return many times in their lives.

Secondly:

The book will reach you and touch you on many other levels. It’s sad and joyous, informative and gripping. I found it hard to put down.

You don’t have to be Catholic or even religious to read it. Its moving stories, commentaries and witnesses provide the reader with a very personal and intimate insight into a number of special lives, not just the central nine characters. It takes you from tragedy and disbelief, through recognition and acceptance to healing and renewal.

I found myself learning and wanting to change the way I do things in my life when reading about some of the amazing people in the book. Little things like how I approach and relate to people on a day to day basis and how I support people in their times of need. The most significant thing that the reader may glean is how our lives can change from what we think is the worst situation and in hindsight is actually a fantastic change for the better.

If you are struggling through loss, bereavement, injury or illness or know someone who is, this book is a great start to understanding the effects on our lives of such things and a great start to a healing process.

It’s obvious that the book isn’t out to try change the reader or to put the world to rights, it’s just telling nine stories, but in doing so it achieves so much more and will affect those who read it in many ways. I suppose in a way, reading it is a bit similar to making a pilgrimage to Lourdes itself. Maybe this is another of the ways that Lourdes affects all our lives.

If you want to know what Lourdes is REALLY all about, read this book.