Lourdes Twitters

A week in Lourdes, what to say…… you don’t need this long to receive these phenomenal feelings one receives at Lourdes, I have NEVER felt anything like this before…it was AMAZING. Also the Masses…what can I say…they were made VERY entertaining…Boyce and Stanley, what can I say. A big shout out to all those in the Accueil, if it wasn’t for you this week wouldn’t have been so special, I’m still a bit tired from wheeling a pilgrim up to the church above the Grotto. Thank you also to all at BGN, Miss Weaver and team A and all who put the week together I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
Daniel Roking Pistrouski, 16, BGN

For me, Lourdes is an extremely special place, before I came to Lourdes, I was worried about if it would be right for me. I am not Catholic and that caused me to wonder if I would be treated differently. I was wrong, Lourdes has been one of the most amazing weeks of my life and I can’t wait to come back. Lourdes is an inspirational experience that I will never forget.
Nicholas Litchfield, 15
Painsley Catholic College

Lourdes 2010 has meant so much to me. Firstly the sick are all so thankful for your work and are all so caring and cheerful. Lourdes is wonderful. Secondly and thirdly the atmosphere at Lourdes is brilliant… cannot wait for the 2011 pilgrimage.
Jack Monk, 18, BGN

Five year old Orla-Rose Mulcrow was joining the Diocesan Pilgrimage for the fifth year. She clearly found a lot to like. As she puts it: ‘Traveling down on the train overnight was great fun. I liked being in the Grotto with Mary and Bernadette and then doing the Water Walk. The torchlight procession was amazing, holding up my candle and singing Immaculate Mary with lots of people was great. Going to the Mac party (McCoy group) was brilliant; we sang all night. I also liked the ‘Ninky Nonk’ (Petit Train), visiting the mountains, the park in Lourdes and the dark chocolate ice creams I had. I liked being with all my friends, Hannah, Baby Chloe and all the people in our hotel (Calvaire). I really liked being asked by Father Gerry to pick out a raffle ticket after I got my medal. I didn’t want to come home!’

Lourdes has been the opportunity for me to pause and reflect on my faith. It’s been brilliant to be able to pause in a busy life; spending time to get to know total strangers as well as my friends. The experience was fantastic and I hope to be able to go again.
Matthew Titmon, 16, BGN

It’s near impossible to describe the Lourdes experience and do it justice. Lourdes truly is a magical place, no less so the second time round. Working with friends, teachers and other pilgrims shows you a new side to everyone. The atmosphere is one of love, faith, support and importantly fun. I had an amazing week and I’m already looking forward to next year.
Caitlin Montague, BGN

Lourdes has been a fantastic experience for me. I have learnt a lot about myself in this week. I personally think that the main point about Lourdes is “Faith”. It is great to see everyone in Lourdes who haven’t lost faith and join together to celebrate Mass, the torchlight procession and singing hymns. But the main reason that made this trip so special is all of the sick who haven’t lost faith and return every year in the hope of a cure. I enjoyed all of their company especially Granny Douglas’s!
Joe Cooper, 15, Painsley Catholic College

Lourdes has been such an amazing experience for me, like nothing I have ever done before. On the first day as soon as I got to the Domain I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the amount of people who were there, and so many for the same reason as us, to help.

I did not really know what to expect from my trip to Lourdes; but one thing I did not expect was how extraordinary and the amount of satisfaction you get helping sick pilgrims.
This was my first ever trip to Lourdes, but there is one thing I am sure of, I am definitely going to come again.
Thank you everyone for making this trip so amazing.
Maria Earley, 14, Painsley Catholic College

Lourdes has been a fulgent experience for everyone on the pilgrimage. However, to us, it has meant so much more than just a trip. It has been a spiritual adventure that has allowed us to truly grow in our faith.

Throughout our journey we have not only grown in our faith, but as individuals. Seeing the amount of strength and hope each sick person has, has given us a new outlook on life in which we will try to not take our good health or anything for granted.
Dominique W, Molly B, Beth F, William J, Pip O, Ant P, Painsley Catholic College

This was my first ever pilgrimage and it is one that I shall never forget. Lourdes was a magical experience and has taught me a lot. Having the opportunity to work with the sick and the disabled was really humbling, and seeing their strength and optimism puts whatever ‘problems’ I might have into perspective. This experience was also very spiritual for me. Experiences like the baths, the Marian procession and the Grotto were awesome and thought-provoking. There is no doubting that this pilgrimage has strengthened my faith, and Lourdes has become a special place for me. I look forward to coming again.
Jamie, St Francis School

Lourdes is a place that has a strong spiritual connection with God and Mary. It allows time to reflect on your life and how to make your life better, living through the example of Jesus Christ. The experience of Lourdes, working together with others and pilgrims brings together a community spirit. Lourdes in itself is a beautiful place that allows us to take time to stop and think about life and what you can do to bring yourself closer to God.

The Masses bring pilgrims together to venerate Our Lady of Lourdes.

Throughout processions, the torchlight ceremonies and night prayer, has brought together our faith in the Catholic religion.

The aspects of Lourdes ie the Grotto, basilica and baths; brings out the spiritual side in people, making them feel a stronger faith in God and Mary. The emotions that people go through whilst in Lourdes is touching, pilgrims become overwhelmed with the gathering of others and the feeling of all of us celebrating our religion and what we believe together.

I would recommend Lourdes to others as it is, in one word, amazing! The time out of our busy lives enables us to look to God and Mary for guidance in our future.
Jade, St Francis of Assisi School

This was my first year to Lourdes, and it has been a million times better than my expectations. Seeing how the littlest things make the sick so happy has been so humbling and made me put things into perspective. I don’t want to think about the possibility of me not coming back next year, so hopefully it’ll happen.
I love Lourdes!
Stephanie, 16, Blessed George Napier Catholic School

Lourdes is one of my favourite places in the world. It is so amazing, that I could not describe it in a million words, never mind 70. It has been a life-changing experience.
Barton Wozmiak, 15,
Painsley Catholic College

This is my second visit to Lourdes and both times I have found my trip magical! Lourdes would not be so magical without the young people like Father Gerry, brancadiers and hand maids. These people make Lourdes from a lovely holy place to a wonderful holy place. My two highlights have been watching the Mac group perform the Stations of the Cross and also saying and singing grace with Shirley, our group leader. A wonderful place and I would recommend the trip to anyone of any age.
Olivia Kirk, Our Lady & St Kenelm Church, Halesowen

Lourdes has been a most memorable time. I used to think that I wouldn’t enjoy a pilgrimage but now that I’ve been and experienced it I know now that I shall be returning again to offer my help and broaden my faith. Lourdes to me means a way of meeting new people, a way to deepen my Catholic faith, a way to offer my gifts and talents to make the experience more enjoyable and interesting as possible. Lourdes is a place where people of all nations come together to celebrate their Catholic faith and this proves to be a most exciting and awesome thing to witness. In Lourdes it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done in your past, Lourdes provides you with a chance to seek out forgiveness from the Lord and follow one of the many paths to Christ, as well as be a part of the wonderful story of Bernadette.

Lourdes means a way of being who you are and being proud of it.
Kristina, St Francis of Assisi School

Lourdes has been such a great experience, you just can’t put it into words. I was really shown who  I am as a person, and it strengthened my faith. Just being there for a few hours started to change me and all that I do. I feel like I am a new and improved person. Although it got really tiring as the week went on, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The friendships I have made and strengthened are ones that are there to stay. I am extremely grateful to Mrs Sowter and the rest of the staff for giving us the opportunity to come; especially to Father Jan who we got to spend one final week with.
Rebecca Wright, Painsley Catholic College

Lourdes, a heaven on earth, a holy Disneyland, it’s a place which is truly beyond words, a place in which you can let your heart flow down the mighty river of life, floating past the troubles and disasters that life persistently throws at you. The activities varied from singing songs of praise and worship to looking after the enthusiastic sick. It truly opens us up to what our faith asks of us, to help those less fortunate and praise the word of the Lord in a fun yet emotional way. To summarise this week, I’ve experienced things that are as precious as love. I’ve experienced things that I hold dear to my shining heart. It may have been tough but we each had to carry our own cross… like Jesus.
Simon Penhallon, BGN,
Year 12

I have always had a devotion to Our Lady but had heard that Lourdes could be a bit crowded and commercialized. I do not see these aspects as negative now I have been on pilgrimage. Crowds come and worship in all languages; the same crowds that followed Jesus on his earthly ministry. Souvenirs act as a special reminder; images are helpful to our imagination and help to focus our thoughts and prayers. Simple devotion to Our Lady and Mother is a profound reflection of the love that is poured out for us in the waters of Lourdes.
Helen Kirk, Our Lady & St Kenelm, Halesowen

Once upon a time there was a wee school in the dip of a hill, otherwise known as a valley, with no phone reception. They decided one sunny autumn day to expand their spiritual horizons after having heard of a story of miracles from a young girl who went by the name of Bernadette. The school group, who were intrepid explorers set off on a quest to renew their faith through the miraculous power of the Lady with roses on her feet who appeared full of grace to Bernadette. What they found was nothing short of wondrous! A place full of love, hope and selflessness which stirred the depths of the explorers’ hearts. The young pilgrims filled the walls with song and rejoiced at the glory of Jesus through the inspiration of his dear Mother, Mary.
Krays Weber,
Bishop Walsh Catholic School

Lourdes is and will ever be a special place to me. Both in the highs and the lows. I met some amazing people and grew as a person. This trips gets a 10/10 and I would love to come back.
Hywel Williams, 15,
Painsley Catholic College

Lourdes has been an amazing experience, I’ve met loads of cool kids! Yeah! Lourdes has also allowed me to connect to my music, through my violin, which I play quite well, but yeah I feel as though I’ve connected to my violin in a very, very special way. Jesus rules! Yeah!
Jordan Tallis, Year 13,
St Francis of Assis Catholic School

Lourdes has been really good, I like helping the Mac group because when I do I feel really good inside. I like Lourdes because I feel comfortable around people. I wanted to come because I wanted to pray for my great Grandma who died of cancer. I have had a fun time with my friends and helping other people. I want to come again next year because I really like being with my friends and meeting new people. Lourdes has made me more religious in a way because we go to so many Masses. The hotel was really good and friendly because they made us feel really welcome and the food was great.  I want more people to come to Lourdes to be on a pilgrimage to get closer to God.
Bernadette pray for us. Amen.
Maria Prendiville

Lourdes has been deeply spiritual. Before I went I wasn’t sure, but since I experienced this incredible life changing opportunity. My faith has been restored and renewed. After seeing all Catholics from different nations, believing in the exact same thing; has made me think something must be there. Whether it’s God or an entity. It has opened my eyes to new ideas and helped me as a person to accept and understand. The experience has shown me that however low I feel, there’s people who have worse crosses to bear; and no matter what happens, God, Jesus, Mary and Bernadette will all be there to hear us in our hour of need. Overall my faith has been lifted and changed for the better and no matter what happens, trusting in God will always help.

PS. We are so thankful words cannot explain to the staff who helped us get here and those who unfortunately couldn’t make it.
Amy Brown-Lyons, 14
St John Fisher Catholic College

Being in Lourdes has been such an amazing experience for me and something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. I have learned a lot about myself and about my faith because now, my religion is part of me instead of something that goes on around me. Lourdes, to me, means this week, with my friends and becoming myself. I feel that, through this trip, we have become closer to God and that we have matured through helping the sick and disabled with us. Thank you to all that made this trip happen.
God bless.
Kate Thorley, Painsley Catholic College

Lourdes was a fantastic experience that I will never forget – it helped me to understand who I really am, and who I hope to become in the future. I really can’t put into words how grateful I am for having had the privilege of meeting such wonderful people, and hope so much that I have made even the tiniest difference to their pilgrimage. A huge thank you to everyone who made Lourdes possible, and such a wonderful, truly life-changing experience that has deepened my faith, and helped me to grow as a person.
Hannie Lawlor,
Blessed George Napier

Returning to Lourdes for the second time was, once again, an amazing, if different, experience. Working as a handmaid for the first time allowed me to experience a different aspect of pilgrimage – for which I am grateful. Although this year knowing more what to expect, there was less of a ‘wow factor’, I was once again struck by the supportive, caring and friendly nature of everyone in Lourdes and above all the faith demonstrated by people from all walks of life – something I particularly felt on procession, when spending time with the sick and when working in the baths for the first time; an inspiring and rewarding experience. Working with my group was fantastic and I look forward to hopefully returning to Lourdes next year.
Jessica Saunders, 18

It’s amazing how a little thing you do to people can change their life. Really grateful that I had time to offer my help to the sick. Also this might be the last time I would be with some of my BGN colleagues, so I say farewell, God bless and wish God will grant them all their wishes. Lourdes has been a great experience and God willing I hope to come next year. A fantastic way to end my school days. Very thankful to all who made this journey to Lourdes successful and pray to God, that they continue to have the strength to do that. Also in our prayers we remember all the sick pilgrims.
Senaniso Ndebele, 19
BGN

I was 12 when I first went to Lourdes and I didn’t know what to expect. If I am being truthful with you I needed something or somebody to help me to believe again. Perhaps I needed to start to believe in myself first, but when I first saw how many people was there something changed me inside. I think that was when I first saw our Lady mother Mary at the Grotto. When people ask me why do I keep going back again and again I tell them it is a special place they would only understand it if they go themselves.
Mena O’Toole Mac’s Group
Smile God Loves You

I think that Lourdes is a special place where you pray in silence for your family if they are not well or just if you want God to bless them. Lourdes has many good sights to see like the fast flowing river which actually flows from the top of the Pyrenees to the grotto where Bernadette saw Mary. There are lots of things to do at Lourdes like procession (night torch) or maybe you just want to go to Mass and services what ever you want to do Lourdes has it. So all together I think Lourdes is the best mainly because of all those points but also because of the amazing Mac group and I really hope I can come again because I loved it.
Taylor O’Donne

Lourdes was an incredibly spiritual place, it made me really stop and think and I found myself in the deepest and most special prayers I have ever felt. Working in the baths was the most amazing experience of my life. I thank God for the opportunity to serve and for all the moments I was able to share. Seeing the outpouring of other people’s faith has really made mine stronger.
Beth, Soli House

Lourdes to me really sums up a life with Christ. The coming together of people from different backgrounds and parishes, all of different ages, to achieve one goal, to become closer to their faith. It doesn’t matter whether you are able bodied or disabled in anyway. The people that attend the pilgrimage treat everyone as an equal and are willing to assist people who may need support. This is the reason I attend every year. Lourdes is an amazing experience, I don’t know anyone who could disagree.
Dan Dryden, BCYA, Our Lady and St Hughs, Witney

Lourdes is pure joy. The joy of serving others. The joy of finding what the Lord has in store for us and the joy of the peace of Our Blessed Mother. This, along with the witness and love of fellow pilgrims makes Lourdes the best medicine for the soul.
Patrick McDermott, BCYA, Erdington Abbey

Going to Lourdes is the perfect opportunity to reciprocate the love of Christ, through the act of service. Being able to serve others is an absolute privilege, through using our God given gifts and talents; allowing people to see the Lord working through us. Through that service I have met many amazing people who have such inspirational faith, although their lives seem full of difficulties, they believe undoubtedly in the power of God and his plan for their lives. Lourdes has renewed my faith and allowed me to visibly see the Universal Church. In the words of St Paul ‘Though there are many parts, there is one body, so it is with Christ.’ Lourdes helps you feel and experience your place within the Church.
Hannah, Soli, 19 years

Lourdes has changed the way I see the Sign of the Cross. Before coming to Lourdes I had looked at the Sign of the Cross as no more than a beginning and an end to Mass or prayer. Now I see it differently. I see it as a blessing. A blessing that I can give myself to prepare myself to be in God’s presence. But that is not all. It is an offering of yourself to God. When made at the beginning of a service I place myself in God’s hands and say that my prayer is in his name and for his sake. When made at the end of a prayer it’s not just a signing off or a way of removing myself from God’s presence and saying ‘See you later Lord’, it is a pledge to take my faith out into the world to serve God by serving others. When I finish a service with the sign of the cross I make a promise that I will live all of my life in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Josef Kilbride

I’d never really thought of reflecting on the Sign of the Cross before, as it did not seem like a particularly important aspect of my faith. It’s one of those things in faith that, from knowing from a young age, becomes routine and common place. But reflecting on it, the Sign of the Cross is something much deeper and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. It is a profession of faith, a mark of ownership, a promise of witness. The Sign of the Cross is such a strong symbol of our faith, one that unifies the Church with it’s diverse ways of praying, and one that sets us apart, marking our wholeselves, head and heart with the ownership of God so that we belong to that Cross, not only to the suffering and pain but the love of the Cross and, ultimately, the hope of the resurrection. The Sign of the Cross is such a great act of witness, to show others of our belief and in reflection on the Sign of the Cross, I hope to take back the whole message of Lourdes of sharing our faith through service and promising to live my life in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!
Ann, Soli House, 19

I came to Lourdes not knowing what to expect and found the thought of helping the people in the Accueil extremely daunting. I thought I’d be more of a hindrance than a help, and things would go completely wrong for me. However, my pilgrimage was the exact opposite. I never realised that the smallest thing, such as taking a pilgrim to the dining room, would make someone so happy. My experience has opened my eyes, and made what I thought were problems seem so trivial. It was inspiring to see how someone’s faith can bring so much comfort, and bring thousands of people together. I’ll always be grateful for my trip to Lourdes and how I believe it has made me a better person. Thank you to everyone that made my experience so special.
Eleanor Wilson, 16yrs
BGN School,

Two years ago I had little faith in myself or God but thanks to the incredible feeling I get from Lourdes and the wonderful people I go with I’ve just come back from my third pilgrimage feeling closer to God than ever before. I always wanted to be a nurse but never thought I could do it, it was Lourdes that gave me the confidence to do it. Thanks to Sr Gillian and BCYA showing me what Lourdes is all about I’ve just spent a week over there as a student nurse, doing what I love in the closest place to heaven on earth. It’s been amazing and going to Lourdes was definitely the best decision I ever made. I know I’m the person I always wanted to be and I’m very grateful for that.
Sarah Broadhurst,
Holy Trinity

Lourdes has been an experience that we will never forget. It has been a pleasure to help less able people who are disabled. This pilgrimage has been a chance for us to think of others and how fortunate and lucky we are. It made us realise what we take for granted it just makes you open your eyes too. It’s a very gifted pilgrimage and a privilege to go. Me and Emily raised £20 for the Mac Group. The Cross to us means the Father, which is God. The Son, which is like Jesus because he is the Light of the world. The Holy Spirit is like the wind and is part of the Holy Trinity.
Emily Henderson, Shanice Haigh, both 12yrs, Blessed Edward Oldcorne, Worcester

This pilgrimage was about making the Sign of the Cross in the way Our Lady showed Bernadette. We all had our Lourdes moment last night at the grotto, it was really sad and I (Sam) prayed for my great granddad who passed away 13yrs ago. The Masses were great but really early in the morning and the hymns and music were good. Nearly everyday we helped the MAC Group to take them up to Masses. I would like to say thank you Mr Tota and Miss Bailey for coming on this pilgrimage. And also Sr Gillian, leader of the Birmingham Diocese.
Sam Vickii, 13yrs,
Blessed Edward Oldcorne

In Lourdes, I had a wonderful time every  day. I was able to have lots of great experiences in my works, Mass, processions etc. To push a wheelchair is the nicest work for me. I could talk with lovely people. And when I did something for them, they said ‘thank you’ to me. I was so happy and could have a smile on my face. I think ‘thank you’ is a magic word. I was glad to come to Lourdes in this time, so I’d like to say ‘thank you very much’ to the Lord, Mary and people who came to Lourdes together. Thank you very much.
Natsuki Bando, BGN

Dear most gracious Lord we thank thee,
for providing us with this opportunity.
At first we wondered what it would be like,
now we shall remember this for the rest of our life.
Joining a gathering when day turns to night,
we walked together in a procession of light.
Offering those in need a helping hand,
united in mass together we stand.
As we bow our heads in prayer,
gifts from the Holy Spirit with one another we share.
We held our flags high with a new found pride,
this pilgrimage has shown us we have nothing to hide.
This is who we are let’s shout and rejoice,
so Mary and all the saints can hear our voice.
And when this pilgrimage draws to a close,
our faith would have flourished like that of a rose.
Kristina Maguire, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology college