Fr Darren, in company with four young people from the parish (Emma, Josh, Nisha & Peter) are currently with the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Emma said, "I'm so excited to go to Lourdes and experience everything it has to offer. I'm sure I'll have amazing memories when I get back!" This is their daily journal for Days 1 to 3
Day Three
Fr Darren writes: Today is Sunday the start of another hot day in Lourdes, today it was my turn to carry the petitions for the day. I said Morning Prayer at the grotto at 05:30 remembering the petitions in my prayers and the whole parish community of St Clare’s. Also this morning all the Lancaster pilgrims gathered for Mass in the Chapel of Notre Dame at 1030. Josh served Mass representing St Clare’s parish. I offered today’s Mass for all the petitions that we are carrying with us each day.
Today would normally be the international Mass for all pilgrims, but due to the recent floods the underground basilica is still closed and therefore each group had their own Mass in various venues around Lourdes Josh served our Mass. This afternoon was the Services of Reconciliation attended by all the Lancaster Pilgrims. Fr John Winstanley preached at the Service, before inviting those present to take the opportunity of individual confessions. As we came out of the chapel after confessions the weather changed as there was some rain, this has now stopped, but there is still thunder rolling around in the skies above. It is now 5pm and the rest of the evening is free until night prayer at 8.30pm. Another of our young people will carry the petitions tomorrow.
Day 2
Today began with a spiritual conference lead by Bishop Michael. This was the first time that all of the pilgrims had gathered together.
The new Director of the Lourdes pilgrimage was introduced, Fr Philip Smith, former chaplain at Royal Preston Hospital. Fr Smith was due to take over next year but due to the present director, Fr Bottoms becoming ill, the appointment was brought forward. We gave Fr Smith our best wishes for his role. After the spiritual conference the pilgrims were free for a short time before lunch.
After lunch everyone gathered in the Rosary Basilica for the Mass of welcome that begun at 2.30pm. Following Mass there was the traditional group photograph of the pilgrims on the steps to the Rosary Basilica. Later in the evening we prayed the ‘high’ Stations of the Cross with able-bodied pilgrims. This started at 9pm and finished shortly after 10pm. Today Emma carried the petitions and prayed for those intentions.
Emma said "We woke up at 6.30am for breakfast and then began our shift. We took the VIPs to the chapel and listened to the Bishop's introductory speech. We then went to the domain and saw the grotto and then we celebrated Mass together. I was carrying the prayer intentions from our parish round with me all day. These intentions were included in my prayers during the whole day. My first day in Lourdes was really good and I can’t wait to experience the next few days".
Day 1
After leaving St Clare's we arrived at the airport in plenty of time to meet the Preston coach. Our young people went straight to work in helping those traveling with their bags and also assisting those pilgrims with limited mobility.
Everyone was at the departure gate with plenty of time to spare only to find out that the plane had not arrived and there would be a two hour delay. This delay afforded time for pilgrims to get to know each other while waiting. The plane finally took off just under two hours late, which meant that by the time we got to our hotels it was 1130pm (10.30 UK time).
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