Lourdes Blog
Among the 2,000 people taking part in our Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes this year are 135 secondary school children from around the Archdiocese and their teachers. Some of them have agreed to blog about their experiences over the next few days, starting today with the students from Loreto High School, Beaufort and Geoff Natin from Belvedere College.
First full day in Lourdes!
“We arose from our slumber at 5.45am full of enthusiasm and eager to begin our duties.
There are six in our group, led by our Chaplain Niamh Donohue. Three of us are on flag duty and ward support and three are on stewarding and function control. On arrival to the Accueil it was daunting as we weren't sure what the day had in store, but when we met our contact people, they put us at ease. We soon got to grips with voiture, chaise, and flags and began as our confidence grew steadily. We are following in the proud tradition and footsteps of our past pupils who are still returning annually to this wonderful Pilgrimage.
We processed with our "VIP" pilgrims - stewarding and helping them where we could. At the opening Mass in the Grotto we were moved by Archbishop’s sermon and the idea of a world devoid of materialism. This message inspires us as we continue our pilgrim Journey.
Safely back in the Accueil, the school groups gathered for the first Prairie, we reflected on the theme of hope and expectations through song, prayer and drama.
After lunch and some afternoon shopping with our Pilgrims, preparations began for the Eucharistic procession. Upon entering the underground Basillica a surreal moment over came us all. After a multi lingual Eucharistic liturgy ably led by our flag holders we escorted our VIPS back to the Accueil.
After dinner the Pilgrims began to arrive at St. Bernadette’s Church for Holy Hour, we were very impressed by the singing and music of the Dublin Lourdes choir.
With duties completed for the day we gathered in the Acccueil for a Reconciliation service, in keeping with this them we all received the sacrament of Reconciliation, which we felt, was a great way to end our first day in Lourdes.
To end our working day we had some fun in the Solitude hotel with the other school groups at the quiz. Our first day in Lourdes was beyond all our expectations and we can eagerly await the next three days and finding out what the Lourdes experience has to offer.
Lourdes Team 2013, Loreto High School Beaufort
Hi all back in Dublin! Geoff from Belvedere here, to tell you all about what happened in Lourdes today.
This morning we had a lovely Mass at the Grotto. Our prayers were answered, as the rain held off for the entire ceremony!
During the afternoon, we got a chance to do some shopping, and many Pilgrims were able to buy gifts for their relatives.
We also had an excellent sing-along in the wards, where young helpers, old helpers and pilgrims all sang along. We had a guitar, a piano and voices young and old echoing down the Accueil leaving everyone in a good mood.
There was a big procession around the whole domain, that ended in the underground Basilica. It was a fantastic experience, and the place was packed. Incense filled the massive room along with beautiful organ music.
We're all getting closer on the pilgrimage, and the weather seems to be improving as well. We are having a great time, and even though it has been a tiring day, we can't wait for tomorrow!
Geoff Natin, Belvedere College