Lourdes 2021

Arrival of Christine and group in Lourdes

Christine, a wheelchair user with multiple sclerosis, arrives with a group of disabled pilgrims in Lourdes. She participates in the pilgrimage primarily as a means to travel, rather than out of devout faith. The setting in Lourdes frames the journey and the events that follow.

Maria becomes Christine's volunteer helper

Maria is assigned as Christine's aider, feeding and dressing her as part of the care team. Christine admits she is not particularly religious, but she continues with the journey for the sake of travel. The caregiver-patient dynamic begins shaping daily routines for the group.

Maria's crush disrupts care; Christine shows a sign of improvement

Maria develops a crush on Kuno, a guard, and begins neglecting her duties. Christine is left in the care of a more mobile roommate, altering the group's care dynamics. On that same day, Christine is able to move her hand on her own, signaling a potential improvement.

Miss Cécile collapses before the final party

The head helper Miss Cécile abruptly collapses while preparing for the departure party, shocking the group. The incident raises concerns about the overall health and reliability of the caregivers. The collapse foreshadows changes to how Christine's case will be perceived.

Christine is found dressed the next morning

The following day, Maria enters Christine's room to dress her but finds Christine already dressed and ready. This visible improvement astonishes the other pilgrims and shifts expectations about her condition. It also stimulates conversations about the possible nature of her changes.

Medical evaluation and miracle committee looms

A doctor examines Christine and notes that while she still has trouble walking, her improvement cannot be fully explained scientifically. The case is slated to be reviewed by a church or medical committee to determine if it qualifies as a miracle. The atmosphere grows tense as the question of legitimacy hangs over the group.

Preparation for the last-day excursion

Preparations for the final excursion begin, and Christine expresses a desire to participate despite concerns from others. Maria tries to block her from joining the hike reserved for the more able members. The group debates whether Christine's improvement is genuine or simply coincidental.

Christine joins the last-day excursion

Christine participates in the last-day excursion, determined to be part of the journey. She spends time with Kuno and remains largely unaware of the surrounding whispers. The excursion becomes a focal point for discussions about miracles and mobility.

On the hike, people wonder about the cure

During the trip, some fellow pilgrims question why Christine was cured while others, who were more devout, were not. Christine's behavior reflects a mix of curiosity and oblivion to the rumor mill. She shares a brief moment alone with Kuno, intensifying the dynamic between the two.

Going-away party: a celebratory dance and a collapse

At the going-away party, Christine dances with Kuno, savoring a rare moment of vitality. She then collapses, causing concern and reviving skepticism among the group about the miracle. She recovers, but doubt about the cure begins to spread.

Christine hesitates to sit; final moment of fragility

Standing on the sidelines after her collapse, Christine initially refuses to sit down, clinging to the possibility that she is not yet constrained by the 'cure.' After a tense pause, she reluctantly sits back in her wheelchair. The moment emphasizes the lingering ambiguity surrounding her condition.