Young Pilgrims Say “Yes” to Lourdes

“Last week I travelled to Lourdes with 10 young people and 2 volunteers from Ellesmere Port Catholic High School. 

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During the year the young people responded to their call from Our Lady to serve in Lourdes by saying 'Yes'. Throughout the year we prayed together, fundraised together and embarked on a 28 hour coach journey together. Some of these children had never been away from their families before. 

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It was lovely to be on the coach with Pat and the other Parishioners, who they knew from Mass, and on arrival we were met by Deacon Tony and Sandra. The children soon realised that they were part of something much bigger. We joined up with other young people and soon became a 'Lourdes family.' 

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Liam, who serves each week at Our Lady's, said that his favourite part was serving at the Masses in Lourdes, especially at the Grotto Mass and joining in the torchlight and Blessed Sacrament processions. 

As well as Mass and the processions, the young people participated in all aspects of the pilgrimage including the water gesture and Stations of the Cross. 

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They waved flags to welcome pilgrims to Mass and shadowed the Youth who were looking after the assisted pilgrims. For many of the juniors, shadowing the youth and talking to the Assisted pilgrims was the highlight of their week. 

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Maja, who had returned to Lourdes for the second year said, 'I have enjoyed the whole experience and getting to know everyone. I loved that in Lourdes we were all one big family and that everyone always put a smile on my face. Lourdes has helped me to develop a deeper connection with God and it has helped me to realise that I should never lose hope and you should always try your best to serve others.' 

Hannah, who travelled for the first time said, ‘I have enjoyed being with everyone and getting to know them all. I have enjoyed learning more about myself and others.' 

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Maja and Hannah are amongst 5 of the group who will be 16 next year and able to volunteer with the youth pilgrimage. They are excited and enthusiastic to serve again. 

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It was an absolute privilege for me to spend time with these young people in Lourdes and to see them develop their faith and become closer to God. 

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Thank you to everyone from the parish that we met in Lourdes who made us feel so welcome. Thank you to everyone of you who helped with fundraising by buying a cake or coming to our Irish night. We are so grateful.”