Lourdes

 

In the first week of the summer holidays five members of the St. Wilfrid’s community went to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan pilgrimage. Around 6 million pilgrims travel each year to Lourdes, a small town in the South of France where the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette in 1958. Each year in Lourdes was special, but this year is especially so, being 150 years since the apparitions.

The diocese of Arundel & Brighton has a well established pilgrimage to Lourdes, and this year over 1,100 took part. This included nearly 300 ill and disabled pilgrims, an army of helpers, a small contingent of priests and lay chaplains, another small contingent of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, as well as the 60-strong youth service group (AKA the Redshirts).

Our Chaplain, Mr. Regan, went as part of the Redshirts, along with one of our year 10 students. There were also two of our students in the family group, and another working as a helper with one of the main hotel groups.

Mr. Regan says “Lourdes was an amazing experience this year. Being part of the diocesan pilgrimage was great. The trip is so well organised, and the people who go are extremely friendly and welcoming, from the Bishop down to each and every pilgrim.

“One of my big priorities for the year ahead is to encourage as many people from St. Wilfrid’s as possible to go to Lourdes in 2009. I really think that our school can become an important and vibrant part of the pilgrimage; something which we will get a great deal out of ourselves, while also being a great help to others.

“The 2009 trip will leave just after school finishes in July.  There are all sorts of opportunities for those who want to go. Year 10 and 11 students can apply to go with the Redshirts, and those in the Sixth Form can apply to go as helpers with the main group. Those in Year 7-9 can go with their families as part of the family group if they wish too.

“Anyone who is interested in Lourdes is welcome to approach me for a chat…”