This Sunday, at each Mass we were privileged to hear from each of the young people that recently attended the Lancaster Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Emma & Josh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xT0gHE3FOE
Peter William’s
The time I spent in Lourdes was a very special time, and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was such a great privilege to serve others on this pilgrimage, and I feel that my time spent there has without doubt deepened my faith. I had an amazing time there. It was really special for me to hear the stories of the sick pilgrims who had travelled to Lourdes, some of them told me about how they themselves helped sick pilgrims when they were younger.
On the first full day we were there, we gathered together in the Rosary Basillica for a mass of welcome. Later in the evening, we prayed the high stations of the cross. On the Sunday, we should have had the International Mass for all pilgrims, but due to the recent floods, the underground basilica was still closed, so instead, each group had their own mass in different places around Lourdes.
On Monday, we had a mass for the anointing of the sick in Saint Joseph’s church. This mass was offered for the people of Saint Clare’s, and was led by Father Philip Smith, who lots of you will remember as he used to be a priest here at Saint Clare’s.
Tuesday was a special day for me personally, as I was asked to served at the mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette 155 years ago. Later in the day, one of my duties was to take a religious sister, in her wheelchair, to the adoration chapel, and collect her an hour later. It was nice to hear from her how she used to help sick pilgrims when she was younger.
The next day, we visited the City of Saint Peter, which is also known as The City of the Poor. This is where the poor have the chance to stay at Lourdes, and we had an outdoor mass there.
On our last full day there, Father Darren led the Stations of the Cross. Although it was extremely hot, many pilgrims were able to attend. In the evening, we all gathered to light the Diocesan Candle, and the petitions from Saint Clare’s were placed in a box at the grotto. The grotto itself has been especially amazing for me, because at night it looks so beautiful, and at night I could actually feel Our Lady’s presence while I was praying there. It was lovely also to take part in the Torchlight Procession, and see the thousands of pilgrims taking part. I feel so honoured to have taken part in this pilgrimage to Lourdes, and would like to thank everyone who supported this pilgrimage in any way, and especially Father Darren for making it possible, and putting up with the four of us! I can’t put into words how amazing the whole experience has been.
Nisha Thanikachalam
Well I don’t know where to start! The pilgrimage was unforgettable; the people were inspiring, the atmosphere was holy and the place was truly special. We worked hard every day pushing the elderly and the sick to masses and shopping and we were rewarded by 4 hours of sleep each night! The pilgrims had so much to tell us; they openly shared stories of their previous visits to Lourdes, family situations and how Our Lady had helped them in their lives. It was memorable to be with them and to listen to everything they said.
The sick and the elderly are one of the main reasons why I grew close to Our Lady on the trip. We had mass everyday (where the youth were fighting to keep their eyes open in the homily), we had Holy Hour, the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a Torchlight Procession, when it happened to rain on the night Lancaster Diocese decided to do it. After busy days, the youth had the opportunity to go to the Grotto every midnight. Personally, this was my favourite part of the trip because the Grotto was so beautiful and peaceful at night. It was a chance to connect with Our Lady and open your heart to her so she could speak to you directly.
In Lourdes, I could actually feel the presence of Our Lady in mass, in other people and especially at the Grotto. Also, I served at one mass and I did a reading. I felt privileged to be able to do this in Lourdes. Throughout the week I made loads of new friends and grew close to some of the elderly pilgrims. I definitely grew very close to Our Lady; the pilgrimage opened my eyes and strengthened my faith. It was a trip that I will never forget! Thank you so much to Father Darren, Father Loughran and of course to you, the parishioners of St. Clare’s, who made it possible for me to go on this pilgrimage and to experience the wonders of Lourdes.