LOURDES (Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024)
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5th: (Emily)
I’ll never forget the day I volunteered to assist a group of sick pilgrims on their journey from Dublin to Lourdes. As a lifelong Catholic, I had always been drawn to the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage site, but nothing could have prepared me for the profound impact this experience would have on my life.
Our journey began at around 2 pm and we hit the ground running. Emily, Isabelle, Millie, Rocha and Cliona. The excitement was palpable as we gathered around Ms. Seery, who was all set to guide us through this special pilgrimage to Lourdes. There were people of all ages and backgrounds, each with their own unique story of illness and suffering. Some were confined to wheelchairs, while others required constant assistance. Despite their physical challenges, their spirits were filled with a remarkable resilience and faith. This was so inspiring.
As we helped the pilgrims board the plane, I was struck by their courage and determination. Many faced long hours of travel, often enduring discomfort and pain. Yet, their faces were filled with a sense of hope and anticipation, as they looked forward to the healing waters of Lourdes. Many had travelled before and were just dying to get back over there.
Before getting on the plane, I had the privilege of spending time with several of the pilgrims. I listened to their stories, learned about their lives, and shared my own experiences. Some spoke of their struggles with chronic illnesses, while others recounted their personal journeys of faith. I was in awe of their openness and the strength they found in their beliefs. They all told me I was in for an amazing next few days and they were dead right.
One memory stands out. I was wheeling an old lady onto the plane and her name was Bernie. She used to be the principal of a secondary school but is now in a nursing home. She had such a fire in her heart, and she was consumed by my words when I spoke. She gave such attention and comfort to me when I spoke. I met her multiple times over in Lourdes and each time filled me with joy. We really connected and I feel so privileged to have met her along with many other special pilgrims.
Throughout the journey, I was constantly reminded of the power of compassion and the importance of human connection. The pilgrims’ resilience and faith were a source of inspiration, and their stories touched my heart in ways I never expected.
As we arrived in Lourdes, I felt a sense of peace and tranquillity. The special atmosphere is indescribable. My favourite moment was the torchlight procession as it’s somewhat magical. As everyone walks around with their candle it creates a blanket of light and support amongst us all.
My experience helping these pilgrims to Lourdes was a transformative one. It taught me the values of compassion, empathy, and human connection. It reminded me of the power of faith and the importance of supporting those in need. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their journey, and I will carry the memories of their courage and resilience with me forever. I look forward to returning to Lourdes someday.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6th: (Cliona)
Our arrival at Lourdes airport on Thursday night had brought a little stumble to the perfect unfolding of things so far. We were waiting at the carousel for our luggage, but unfortunately Isabelle’s case did not arrive. After a brief panic, we all rallied into the bus and helped Isabelle to remain calm and gave her what she needed. Ms. Seery managed to get practically everything that Isabelle needed. It was moments like this that truly highlight the bond of friendship and how well this team was able to support one another. It was late when we arrived at our hotel, which was very welcoming and had prepared food for us. We checked into our rooms, and we were happy to be there, and we looked forward to the next day.
Friday morning began with a gentle wakeup call at 6.30am, followed by breakfast at 7am, where there was lots of laughter as we fuelled up for the busy day ahead. Fr. Paul, the school’s chaplain led us in morning prayer, reminding us of our mission as “BLUESHIRTS” to serve with kindness. We then moved to the Acceuil (The Hospital- where the Sick pilgrims stay), and we began our training on reception duty. This duty involved helping our VIPS (Sick pilgrims) move from their wheelchairs to the very distinctive Blue Voitures that are familiar part of Lourdes. It was heart-warming to assist them, and we then accompanied them to the Grotto to join the entire Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage for Mass at the Grotto, where the atmosphere was serene and filled with hope. After Mass there was a group photo for all the pilgrims taken at the front of the Basilica.
Before lunchtime we helped return all the sick pilgrims to the Acceuil and we went for lunch in our hotel. Mealtimes were a welcome opportunity for us as a group to check in with each other and see how we were doing, we also shared our experiences and reflections.
In the afternoon we went to the Holy Baths and participated in the “Water Gesture” where pilgrims wash their face, their hands and drink the holy Lourdes water, just as Our Lady had asked Bernadette to do. This was a beautiful experience.
That afternoon we carried out the second of our “Duties” which was Hotel Support. This involves going to several of the hotels and picking up any pilgrims who need assistance to get to the ceremonies in the Domain at Lourdes. As we navigated our way around the streets of Lourdes pushing wheelchairs with pilgrims, we had many lovely conversations with them.
At 5pm, we gathered in the underground Basilica for a procession of the Blessed Sacrament.
We returned our pilgrims to their hotels, and we made our way to our hotel for dinner.
Every night finishes with prayer and reflection led by the different schools from among the Blueshirts. Fr. Paul refers to this as “PRAIRIE”. The schools are given a different theme each night and asked to lead their peers in a meaningful prayer experience. Maryfield led the Blueshirts with a theme of “To Help and Serve”. As part of this we all sang a song, “Hands” by Jewel, and Rocha accompanied us on the guitar.
That night we all took part in a fun table quiz making up many teams and mixing all the schools. It was a lot of fun, and Emily was on the winning team, after a tense tie breaker had taken place. This was a great fun way to unwind and mix with all the Blueshirts from the various schools. We headed home to our hotel to get some sleep before the next day of service would begin.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7th: (Rocha)
After breakfast we began our morning with Fr Paul and the other schools at morning prayer. After this we went down to our reception duty at the acai for 9am. Our reception duty was one of our favourite highlights of this trip, we all felt great reward helping down at the acai.
At 10am we all met Ms Seery and went down to St. Bernadette’s church for penitential service which was a beautiful ceremony. After lunch we joined the red shirts in hotel support duty. Hotel support was a wonderful way for us to communicate and talk with the pilgrims staying in the nearby hotels. During hotel support we brought the pilgrims to the anointing of the sick mass which was an amazing experience we shared with everyone in the Dublin diocese. After mass we had teas on the lawn for all the pilgrims where we could get together and to just sit and talk with everyone there.
After dinner the Diocese had organised, a wellness talk for all the school groups in Lourdes which was very insightful and interesting. It was one of the many things I know that the girls and I really enjoyed. At 8:30pm we all headed to St. Bernadette’s cathedral to sing as a part of the folk group for the medal’s ceremony. This was a touching experience as we saw volunteers with 3 years’ service all the way to 25 years of service in the diocese actively volunteering in Lourdes. It was honestly an inspirational ceremony to be a part of.
At 10pm Ms Seery, the girls and I made our way to outside St. Bernadette’s cathedral for our daily prairie. Tonight’s theme was the Sacrament of Reconciliation. One of the school’s groups got everyone involved in a singsong of oasis’s ‘Don’t look back in anger’ which I think perfectly described the theme. It was an enjoyable moment where everyone was just together singing. It’s one, I will never forget.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8th: (Isabelle)
Our third day in Lourdes as volunteers was one that truly stood out, blending real enjoyment and a deep sense of fulfilment with moments of pure fun. The day began early, with a 7am wake-up call for breakfast. Despite the early start, the group was in good spirits as we gathered for morning prayer at 8:15am with Father Paul.
By 9am, we were already at reception, performing our duties of welcoming pilgrims and assisting them as needed. Though we had settled into the routine, this day was different – we left reception earlier than usual, around 10am, for something special: singing at the Youth Mass. Taking part in this mass as part of the folk group we had become involved in was a real joy. The experience of singing with and for the pilgrims felt uplifting, and the sense of togetherness during the mass made the whole moment feel even more meaningful.
The Youth Mass was a special time to celebrate us Blue Shirts in Lourdes, and the whole experience was one of joy.
After mass, we helped bring the pilgrims we were assisting back to the hospital before heading back to our hotel for a well-earned lunch at noon. The meal gave us a chance to refuel and share stories from the morning with each other, but we knew the best part of the day was yet to come.
At 2pm, we made our way to the “Solitude Hotel” for what would become one of the day’s highlights: a lively singsong with pilgrims and students from other schools. The room was filled with laughter, music, and a genuine sense of connection. Singing with others who were there to support the same cause was a heartwarming experience, and it was clear that both pilgrims and volunteers were thoroughly enjoying the moment.
Dinner at our hotel was at 7pm, and afterwards, from 8pm to 9pm, we supported the pilgrims once more as we brought them around the beautiful torchlight procession. This was a serene and moving experience, as the soft glow of the candles illuminated the path, and a deep sense of peace settled over us all. Guiding the pilgrims during this procession was a humbling and profound way to end the day.
After bringing the pilgrims back to their hotels, we gathered for a final prairie with Father Paul, closing the day in reflection. The day’s balance of service and fun made the day a truly unforgettable one, filled with moments we will carry with us long after we leave Lourdes.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9th: (Millie)
We woke up bright and early at half six to be down for breakfast at 7am. All the Blueshirts had to be at the Sanctuary of Our Lady for 7.45am for a group photo. Once that was taken, we did morning prayer on the steps too. When that was over, we headed to the Accueil for our morning duty at reception. This was our last morning of reception, so we really tried to enjoy it and have a bit of fun in between helping the pilgrims with the other Blueshirts and some of the White Shirts too! The stations of the cross were on for the pilgrims that morning which was presented outside the Accueil. This started at around 11am and was very handy for us as it meant we did not have to wheel them far. After that we headed back to our hotel as lunch was a little earlier than usual because of our busy afternoon. At 2.30pm we all headed back over to St Bernadettes church as this was our time to do Liturgy duties during mass. Some of us were on collection and some were on drapes, (carrying them in a procession to the main altar). Both were very simple, so we picked up what we had to do quickly. The farewell mass started at 3.30pm and finished at about 5pm. As soon as that was over, we promptly were given a pilgrim each to bring to the grotto for the passage through the grotto. After that we brought our pilgrims back to their hotels as hotel support was our afternoon duty. Dinner was at 7pm. After dinner we quickly made our way back to the Accueil as there was a farewell party on the fifth floor. This was for pilgrims, Blueshirts and White Shirts. We all loved this as the mood was so positive! One lady almost had everyone in tears at one point as she told her story of coming to Lourdes and by happy accident got sitting beside her best friend from primary school who she has not seen or heard of since they were little, this was so special. At half nine we had prairie back over by St Bernadettes church. The last night of Prairie was so lovely as we all agreed the schools that night really captured the theme of light in their presentations, and we even got glowsticks!! Our final grotto visit was at ten. On our way over we had a private group chat with Ms Seery which was so lovely. Then we light our own special candles, our big school candle and the four candles for the four girls that volunteered last year. We all found this emotional as this marked coming to the end of our pilgrimage in Lourdes and none of us wanted to leave as it is such a special and magical place. Words genuinely cannot describe it and the feeling you get when you are there! We all headed back to the hotel to pack our bags and fall into bed after our very exciting day!
Our time in Lourdes came to an end, we experienced so much including floods and lost luggage (30 cases overall had gone missing!). We worked hard to serve the pilgrims and to represent Maryfield College. Our school motto “In Fide Stabilis” was evident constantly throughout the pilgrimage. We prayed for all who connected with our school, and we take this opportunity to thank all those who supported our fundraising efforts during the moths before we travelled. It is our hope that we will return and serve again in Lourdes. Until then, we will carry Our Lady, St. Bernadette and all the pilgrims in our heart.
Thank You.
