Painsley Catholic College

OVER THE HALF term week, myself along with 10 other student from Painsley Catholic College, joined the Birmingham youth for our pilgrimage to Lourdes. Our pilgrimage preparations had started back in September, where we did numerous fundraising events (bag backs, parish coffee mornings, sponsored walk, quizzes & weekly cake sales in college) to reach our target fund, which we managed with a couple of extra pounds to spare for an ice cream.

As we arrived in Lourdes, it was such an unexpected surprise when we joined other pilgrims to watch the torch light procession. I found this experience very moving, to see the amount of ill and dying people who gather here each night to be with and pray to our Blessed Lady. I was blown away by the universal church gathering together, and to see all different nationalities joined as one from the very old to the new born babies in arms to pray and receive graces and blessings.

Throughout the week, each day deepened my beliefs in my faith. Suddenly I felt like I could recognise the simple things that God had taught me to appreciate; we live in such a selfish world, but here in Lourdes I felt such a contrast, it was like another world instead of the sick and disabled being the outcast, they were the priority here. It was a massive privilege for me to be part of the Birmingham Youth, helping and caring for these sick pilgrims, there was one young man called Martin who I was with for a few days, and on the last day I was with him, he took my hand and thanked me for all the time I had given up for him and the kindness and help I had shown to him, I could see in his eyes, how much my help and friendship meant to him, this memory will live on forever with me.

Not only did we help and care for others, but we all learnt so much more about St Bernadette and her life as she grew up, the thing that shocked me most was the fact that this young girl was only the same age as me when she started seeing the “beautiful lady,” her determination, perseverance and her faith has given me so much strength to take back into college for me to share and be a witness to my faith to others.

Emily Scarlett, 15

AS A NEWCOMER to taking students to Lourdes, I feel very privileged to have been asked to accompany 11 of our Year 10 students on the Birmingham Diocesan Pilgrimage. I was overcome with a sense of pride for all of the young people I worked with over the week and their willingness to help those they saw in need around them. Lourdes is a place of healing and grace in so many ways and to watch our young people serve others in imitation of Christ reinforced to me the special vocation we as teachers have to make Jesus’ teachings a real presence in their world. I have many happy memories and experiences to bring back into our school community and I know that all the young people will bring something special to their schools and the communities they serve.

Mrs Colette Harris, Head of R.E.

I THINK ‘absolutely incredible’ is an understatement for this trip, despite the five hour delay at the airport. When we arrived in Lourdes we went to watch the Candlelight procession; the size of the procession was breath-taking seeing so many other pilgrims walking in the faith of God.

On the pilgrimage we all helped out in different ways. We helped people to the services, gave sick people blankets, and carried banners in all the processions. Doing these duties was beneficial, it meant we could join in with the Mass and give something back to the diocese.

Daniel Capper

THIS TRIP TO Lourdes was fantastic, I am sure I will never forget it. The atmosphere there is indescribable and all the events, such as the night processions are really incredible.  I am extremely happy that I had a chance to go on such an amazing pilgrimage.

Kacper Woxniak

THIS WAS MY first time on the diocesan pilgrimage and as a school chaplain…  would I be able to stay patient with a group of teenagers all week? It was wonderful, and amazing to see how the pilgrimage engaged us all, of whatever age, and made such a difference to our lives.

The small group prayer times we had together, often late at night, gave us all a sense that we were very close to God and that he was really working on us and in us for good. Being there in Lourdes with the group of students, and of course our lovely staff, all helped me personally to have more idea of who I am, and how to express my priesthood more fully.

Fr David Hartley

Hagley Catholic High School

WHEN LOOKING back over time spent in Lourdes there are many experiences that contributed to a life-changing spiritual week that will never be forgotten. As well as deepening my faith and strengthening my relationship with God, I was able to develop friendships with those I shared the experience with.

One moment that stands out for me was our initial visit to the Grotto. On my first day I had been told by one of the sick people in the hospital that Lourdes was the most beautiful place in the world. It was only after I had been present in the place where Mary appeared that I fully felt the effect of being in Lourdes. The silent, peaceful surroundings created a spiritual atmosphere, strengthened by the simplicity of so many people being gathered together in the same place to share the same faith. It was at that moment that I was able to fully appreciate the beauty of Lourdes.

Ceri Savage


IT IS DIFFICULT to pinpoint a single fragment of my Lourdes experience as being the most powerful, because each day I spent there has undoubtedly impacted upon me and upon my whole outlook on life.

If I absolutely had to choose one memory to keep, I think it would have to be the hour or so we spent watching the Marian Procession from the balustrade above the Rosary Basilica. I loved the fact that just a few people began with a lit candle, but by passing it on to those we knew and did not know, we passed it on and the light spread.

From our vantage point above the Esplanade the torchlight procession was truly beautiful, accompanied by an overwhelming atmosphere of unity and belonging. Beside me was a man from Barcelona. I will always remember his perseverance through the language barrier and in hindsight, the wonder that he could actually communicate. He reminded me, and still does, of Fr.Stephen’s words during the MAC’s Mass, regarding the undeniable feeling of peace and love unique to Lourdes. People come together! That was my favourite aspect of the whole experience.

Esther Olive

IT IS DIFFICULT for me to write about the time I shared in Lourdes with my peers from Hagley Sixth Form.  Suffice it to say that our time together in Lourdes was a unique experience which drew me closer to my fellow sixth formers.

Working in the Acceuil and attending the Masses were definitely the two highlights for me. I felt that I was growing spiritually in my faith and at the same time developing emotionally in my connection to the Catholic community.

Another amazing experience was doing the famous Stations of the Cross on the hillside next to the basilica, led by Fr Paul. This experience gave me time to reflect on my faith and also on my whole journey so far at Hagley Catholic High School. Since returning home I know that through this whole experience I have grown closer to my fellow students, who because of the faith we shared in Lourdes are now very close friends.

Rosie McGillion

ON REFLECTION, I think that my trip to Lourdes is one which is, and always will be different to any other that I will experience. I was lucky enough to be able to share my time there with five of my friends, which has added to the memories that I have taken away. One of the memories that I will treasure is of the Torchlight Procession, as there is a real feeling of belonging when you are taking part.

I participated in the procession twice, and both times I gained a different insight into what the procession is about. The first time, I carried the St Chad’s Cross, and was therefore leading the Birmingham part of the procession. This gave me a sense of pride, as people were looking at me to represent Birmingham, and I felt part of the large community of people who were there from our Diocese. However, the second time I was in the procession, I walked with my school, and  I carried the school banner, taking it up onto the steps of the basilica at the end. This experience gave me a sense of importance because I knew that everyone who was looking towards the basilica would see the banner. As Hagley Catholic High School is a small part of the diocese, this also made me feel part of a much larger community. I realised that Lourdes was a gathering of numerous small groups, coming together for one common purpose. I know that this feeling will stay with me for many years.

Sarah McGuinness

DURING MY TIME at Lourdes I realised just how lucky I was to have been granted such a unique and life changing experience. I felt privileged to be able to witness such events as the torchlight processions.  I found taking

part in these processions truly moving as it was amazing to look around seeing people from all different nations united together in honour of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette.
I was also lucky enough to view one of the processions from the top of the balustrade, looking down upon the hundreds of people gathered below; with their candles lit was a beautiful moment. It made me realise the strength of my faith and it was amazing to be surrounded by not only my friends but by others who I was connected with through our joint belief in our faith.

Another part of the pilgrimage which I found highly rewarding was helping to look after and care for the sick pilgrims in the Accueil. I found listening to their stories very inspirational and I very much enjoyed being around them. I felt that I was participating in something which was extremely worthwhile and I was very moved when at the end of the week, myself and my friend Esther were given a candle by the pilgrims as a thank you for the work the six of us had done throughout the week.

I believe that by taking part in the pilgrimage I was able to have a greater understanding of the power of faith and was more appreciative of the needs of the elderly, sick and disabled. I would seriously consider revisiting Lourdes as I found the experience extremely fulfilling.

Sarah Wrigley

THE WEEK I spent in Lourdes has proven to be an unforgettable and overwhelming experience, as I feel that it was a great opportunity for me to grow as an individual, both spiritually and emotionally. Helping the sick pilgrims, whilst working during the week in the Acceuil, was one of my most rewarding activities of the pilgrimage as I feel that I was able to put into practice the key teachings of the Catholic faith. Consequently, I believe my time spent in the Acceuil greatly aided my spiritual development, and that I am extremely thankful for.

Additionally, throughout the week my personal relationships with the other pilgrims grew immensely, as the atmosphere at Lourdes allows for great interactions with others there. The vast numbers of pilgrims at Lourdes, of all ages and ethnicities, is a significant aspect of the pilgrimage to Lourdes as it is hugely moving to see as the sense of unity and belonging felt by all whilst in Lourdes, which is incredibly inspirational.

I thoroughly value the experiences I had during my pilgrimage, as they are memories that have helped me to learn about myself, personally, and have enabled me to have a greater perspective on everyday life, owing to the sense of reflection offered when returning from the pilgrimage.

Catherine Higgins

Lourdes Soundbites

Our Lady & St Chad Catholic Sports College

‘On the Friday we placed our candle at the grotto. The eighteen of us stood together in a circle, held hands and prayed for all students and staff at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Sports College, and all the people who made this pilgrimage possible.’
Arthur Harris (Member of Staff)

‘The procession of the Blessed Sacrament was my favourite part of the whole week. I felt so proud to be part of something so beautiful.’
Shanaine Munroe (Sixth Form student)

‘Lourdes has changed my life. I realise how lucky I am and why I should never take for granted the love and support of my family.’
Kuldip Basudev (Sixth Form Student)

‘It was wonderful caring for the sick in the hospital. These people, despite their illness never moaned. It was a privilege to look after them and I really enjoyed it.’
Liam Pickin (Sixth Form Student)

Leo Hurst, Fr Philip Newbold (above left), Fr Sandy Brown (above middle) and Alec McDonald (above right) celebrated 50 years of visits to Lourdes.