On Friday 26th June, a small group of young people from the Diocese of Hallam travelled to Lourdes for our annual pilgrimage. This year’s pilgrimage was slightly different from previous years, as only a handful of young people were able to attend. The pilgrimage was partly organised by Sue McDonald, the Director of Youth, together with our Pilgrimage Director, Dr Russell.
Although our group was much smaller than usual, we certainly weren’t discouraged. On the contrary, we were excited to begin our pilgrimage and knew that with fewer young helpers there would be even more opportunities to serve our assisted pilgrims. We were determined to give our very best, ensuring that every pilgrim felt cared for, valued and supported throughout the week.
This year we travelled by plane, meaning we didn’t have to endure the usual 24 hour coach journey for a flight of less than two hours! Before we knew it, we had landed in Lourdes and were straight to work. From the moment we arrived, our young people helped unload luggage, carried suitcases and ensured that each assisted pilgrim reached the correct coach safely. Their willingness to serve with cheerful hearts set the tone for the entire week.
The Hallam Youth Group stayed in the same hotel together, whilst the assisted pilgrims, pilgrims, the doctors, nurses and other volunteer helpers stayed in nearby hotels. We were blessed with glorious sunshine for almost the entire pilgrimage, interrupted only by one spectacular thunderstorm that brought welcome relief from the heat and refreshed the air.
Pilgrimage life was busy but incredibly rewarding. Our days began early and often ended late, filled with Masses, liturgies, processions and opportunities to accompany our pilgrims. Throughout the week, our young people showed extraordinary kindness, patience and compassion, ensuring their pilgrims were always supported.
There were so many memorable moments. The Torchlight Procession remains one of the most moving experiences in Lourdes. Seeing hundreds of pilgrims from across the world walking together in prayer, singing hymns to Our Blessed Lady, is something that touches the heart every year. Equally inspiring was the Blessed Sacrament Procession, a beautiful witness to the universal Church gathered in faith around Christ in the Eucharist.
As a diocesan family, we also celebrated our own Masses, Liturgies of the Word, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick in the churches close to the Holy Grotto.
One of the greatest privileges of the pilgrimage was celebrating Mass in the Grotto itself, the very place where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette. To pray and celebrate the Eucharist in such a holy place was an unforgettable experience and one that filled us with hope and gratitude.
Some of the most treasured moments came late in the evening, when we visited the Grotto after the crowds had gone. In the quietness, we lit candles for our loved ones and prayed in silence. It was here that I was able to remember the many prayer intentions entrusted to me by members of the Notre Dame community. Bringing these prayers to Our Lady in such a sacred place was an immense privilege, and I felt truly blessed to hold our school community in prayer.
Every day brought new blessings. Our friendships grew stronger, our faith was deepened and countless acts of kindness reminded us what pilgrimage is truly about. Our young people formed wonderful relationships with their assisted pilgrims, sharing stories, laughter, prayer and moments of genuine compassion. These experiences cannot be measured; they become treasured memories that remain in our hearts forever.
This year’s pilgrimage felt especially special. Perhaps it was because our group was smaller, allowing us to grow closer together, or perhaps it was simply because we experienced Our Lady’s love in such a profound way. Whatever the reason, we all returned home renewed in faith, grateful for the many blessings we had received and inspired to continue serving others.
At Notre Dame, our mission is to share the love and goodness of God with everyone, and nowhere was this more evident than in Lourdes. Our young people lived out this mission through every smile, every conversation, every helping hand and every act of service they offered. They represented our school with compassion, generosity and joy, demonstrating that faith is not simply something we speak about, it is something we live.
St Julie Billiart encouraged her sisters and all who follow her example to “Be good today, but better tomorrow.” Throughout the week, our young pilgrims embraced this challenge, continually putting the needs of others before their own and growing in confidence, faith and love. They returned home not only with wonderful memories but also with hearts transformed by the experience of serving others.
As we look ahead, we pray that we will once again have the opportunity to return to Lourdes next year, continuing this special tradition and creating new memories while carrying with us the blessings of this pilgrimage.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Bernadette, pray for us. St Julie Billiart, pray for us.
Love and God bless,
Suzanne
