Pilgrimage to Lourdes

In July, 29 All Saints Students made a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to deepen their faith and take the prayers of their families and friends to the site of the famous Marian apparition. 

The story of Lourdes began in 1858, when the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous at the Grotto of Massabielle. Over 18 apparitions, Mary revealed herself as the "Immaculate Conception" and encouraged prayer and penance. Since then, Lourdes has become a sanctuary for millions seeking healing, peace, and a deepening of their faith.

The pilgrimage included a full tour of the town of Lourdes, including the St Bernadette Museum, visiting the Soubirous family home, the Grotto and the Rosary Basilica. We were blessed to be able to celebrate Mass at the Monastery of the Poor Clare Sisters. 

We had some wonderful day trips; a cable car ride to the top of the the Pic du Midi Mountain range and the Observatory, as well as visiting the amazing Caves of Betharaam. 

Head girl, Donna, wrote about her experience:

"My trip to Lourdes was amazing. I had my doubts at the beginning as my friends did not have the opportunity to go, making me feel as if I would be all by myself. But Sister Bora and Mrs McCormick had kept on reassuring me that when I go, me and the other students will all just come together and be there for each other. They were very much right. As I was in Year 11 and Head Girl  at the time I was one of the older students making me already have a responsibility to help my peers especially the younger years."

"It was very easy to make friends as we were all in each other's space as some were sharing rooms or walking with each other with our tour guide. Even when we were travelling everyone would be introducing themselves to each other.

One of my favourite parts of the trip was the Torchlight Procession, where everyone from all over the world came together to worship God and give thanks to our Holy Mother Mary. Not only were there so many people, but by the time we took part I had made friends many of the students that I had travelled with, which I thought was so beautiful and really special."