I'm writing this from Lourdes where I'm on pilgrimage with a coachload

from Derwentside. Thousands are making their way here this year to

mark the 150th Anniversary of the 18 meetings the young Bernadette

had with Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a great place to sort out

your priorities in life and get things into perspective.

The aristocrats of Lourdes are the sick and the poor.

Every street has a red track where only wheelchairs are allowed.

Mary's words in the gospel really came alive :

"He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly."