"Well, sort of..."

Salut, mes etudiants! (Notice the missing accent aigu...)

When I asked one French 1-2 student if he had learned something yesterday, and he said "Well, sort of..." - which made me wonder! But then I read your article summaries, and I see that you DID learn about St. Bernadette Soubirous, the 18 apparitions of the Blessed Mother to her, and the 150th anniversary that the shrine at Lourdes is celebrating this year. The Pope's visit was a huge success, and we'll talk more about it next week.

During class today, I would like you to read the "PS" that I mentioned yesterday: the Pope's address to the French youth during his visit. Then, on a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:

1. Which paragraph of his address is most meaningful to you? Why?
2. In your opinion, what is the most important thing that Pope B16 says to the young people? Why?
3. In your opinion, what is the most challenging thing that Pope B16 is saying TO YOU? Why?

When you are finished answering these questions, spend more time exploring the blog and its links. Then, answer these questions on the same sheet of paper, but on the OTHER SIDE (not a second sheet of paper):

1. What is happening in the Diocese of Phoenix on Sunday, October 12th? Why do you think it is important?
2. How is the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) celebrating and honoring the 150th anniversary of the apparitions?

Third, I would like you to read the words of St. Bernadette herself about the first apparitions. Visit this link to read the translation in English.

Finally, there is a SHRINE to St. Bernadette in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Can you find it? What is the physical address? Can you find a website for it? If so, note the physical and web address at the bottom of your assignment.

Bon courage! Ms. Strafaci

French 2008-2009

Salut mes étudiants!

It didn't "hit" me until this weekend that I would not be in class with you for the next FOUR days, and since we have off on Friday and Monday, I won't see some of you until next Tuesday... Yikes! Monday-Wednesday, I'm leading Safe Environment Training for the Freshman class, and then I'm headed to North Carolina on Thursday, causing me to miss 6th and 7th hour. So... This week, you've got a little vacation from me, but you will be getting to know the BIG EVENT in Lourdes: the 150th anniversary of the Blessed Mother's apparitions to St. Bernadette.

Today's assignment is four-fold:
1. First, get to know The Lourdes Project site. Click all the links on right side of page, look at past entries, etc.

2. Second, get to know THE EVENT(S): When did all this happen? What exactly happened? In what part of France did it happen? Who is Bernadette? You will learn about this through the appropriate links.

3. Third, please read about POPE BENEDICT XVI's pilgrimage (visit) to Lourdes earlier this month. In particular, look at the PROGRAM.

4. Fourth and finally, find, read, and summarize ONE article from an American newspaper (USA Today, NY Times, Washington Post, etc.) that talks about Pope Benedict's visit to Lourdes. This will be collected at the end of class.

• To find an article about the Pope's pilgrimage, go back to "Google" and search using the words "Pope Benedict" "France" "Lourdes" "visit"...
• Look at several articles and then make your choice. Don't just take the first one!

You will have another Lourdes assignment tomorrow! Be nice to the sub, and I look forward to seeing you in the hallways...

Vous me manquez!

Ms. Strafaci

PS: If you finish ahead of schedule, read BXVI's May address to the French youth about his fall visit.