On Thursday 3 July, a group of 27 Year 10 students accompanied by Mr Tunnecliff, Ms Harnett and Mrs Woliter (former teacher and Governor) joined the Diocese of Leeds in their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. What lay ahead was a packed programme of events centred around helping and caring for the sick and elderly pilgrims of the Diocese. Alongside the spiritual and community elements of the pilgrimage, we also had lots of fun with our friends.
Throughout the week we gathered as a whole Diocese for Mass and other activities centred around the key areas of significance in Lourdes. The Torchlight Procession is a highlight for many – everyone processes around the domain singing and praying, trying to manage keeping their candle lit and their paper lantern from burning! The group were impressed by the sight of so many people from around the world meeting in one place in devotion to Our Lady praying the Rosary.
The students were a little apprehensive but also excited about meeting their pilgrims. Students were paired with a pilgrim who they accompanied to all the events throughout the week. One of our supported pilgrims described the students supporting her as “special angels” who took excellent care of her throughout the week.
Often people will travel to Lourdes on many occasions throughout their life – Mrs Woliter has supported students on Lourdes pilgrimages 29 times. What makes each pilgrimage different and special are the people you meet and spend time with. For our group, it was lovely to see former students who had joined the pilgrimage with Notre Dame. This was a great opportunity to celebrate the “best traditions we have inherited” and feel part of a strong community in faith.
