Skip to content ↓

Lourdes Trip

In July students from Years 10,11,12 and 13 went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France with Mrs Dunn, Mrs Paterson and two other schools Corpus Christi Catholic High School and Arch Bishop McGrath Catholic High School. 

In July students from Years 10,11,12 and 13 went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France with Mrs Dunn, Mrs Paterson and two other schools Corpus Christi Catholic High School and Arch Bishop McGrath Catholic High School. 

The trip was meant as a short break as well as a religious pilgrimage to broaden our minds, spiritually, through mass and prayer and evaluating ourselves and our position in the faith. We had a lot of time to reflect on ourselves as people and our life experiences.

We also completed the torchlight procession as a group. We were all looking forward to this as we had been anticipating if all week and it was meant to be a very solemn experience. Someone was looking forward to it so much (Mrs Dunn) that she managed to kick over a beggar’s pot, scattering their money everywhere!! I have never seen anyone go more red in my life! The torchlight procession was definitely the most distinctive part of the pilgrimage to Lourdes. The procession began at 9pm whilst it was still light (during the procession the sun sets and night falls) and the Rosary was spoken. The Our Father was sung in Latin at the beginning of each decade, and then five Hail Marys were said in lots of different languages including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish and Gaelic. Next Gloria was sung in Latin and in between each decade a hymn or chant was sung the first being the traditional Lourdes Hymn. At the Ave everyone held up their candle - this was a very humbling experience and we were enchanted by the presence of so many nationalities.

We also had a short amount of free time to explore the area and do a little shopping. We visited a large fort and after climbing the 351 steps we were rewarded with a fabulous view of the whole of Lourdes. We had a wonderful time in Lourdes filled with friendship and reflection. It was more than a religious holiday and was a great opportunity to reconcile yourself with God. It was emotional at times which actually enhanced the feelings of well being and spirituality and our relationships with others in our life.

Written by Hope Johnson 11S