Father Raymond Zambelli, Rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes visits Lourdes Marian Center
The Lourdes Marian Center was blessed and honored to receive a visit from Fr. Raymond Zambelli, Rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. He was accompanied by Mademoiselles Giselle Mousseigne and Christine Bodiguel of the Service Promotion Department for the Sanctuary. This was Fr. Zambelli's first visit since his recent installation as Rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Fr. Zambelli is no stranger to the duties of managing a shrine of such importance as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. For over ten years he was the rector of the Sanctuary of Lisieux, dedicated to the life of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face. It was an experience that clearly prepared him for his new work at Lourdes. Both Sanctuaries are places of inspiration, faith and miracles.
Fr. Zambelli emphasized the importance of the Lourdes Marian Center in Denver, noting that it is an embassy or enclave of the Sanctuary in Lourdes. He was very eager to talk with everyone about the importance of such Sanctuaries. These are places that draw people right into the very heart of our Roman Catholic faith. This is because they bring us ever closer to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Fr. Zambelli made it clear that even though not everyone can go and visit Lourdes, "In matters of faith there is no time and there is no distance. People who wish to be unified in faith can make a pilgrimage to Lourdes in their hearts." But for those who can make a pilgrimage to Lourdes it is an answer to a call. "The Blessed Virgin Mary said, 'I want people to come here,'" he noted. " For those who have faith, and believe that this woman is the Mother of God, they cannot fail to respond to that invitation. It's just like when a mother of a family calls the family members together for something important."
During his homily at the Sunday Mass, Fr. Zambelli emphasized the importance of the Blessed Virgin's life, not only its seminal events but the way in which she lived. He called all of us to reflect on how she "tuned her soul" to God the Father and his Son's ministry on earth. He used the example of a fine musical instrument that is not in tune. What good is it? Are our souls in tune with the Lord? Does it resonate with His desires for our life? Fr. Zambelli called upon us to pray the rosary as a family, to meditate on the Blessed Virgin's life and to "tune" ourselves to her and her total commitment to her son, Jesus Christ.
Other highlights of Fr. Zambelli's visit included: a private dinner with Archbishop Charles Chaput and Fr. Michel Walsh, Director of the Lourdes Marian Center; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; the Mother Cabrini Shrine; and a reception with the staff and volunteers of the Lourdes Marian Center. He also attended a dinner at the home of Frieda Sanidas, Honorary Consul of France and supporter of the Lourdes Marian Center. Fr. Zambelli and party were also able to take a tour of southern Colorado and New Mexico.
