By Benedict (Y11)
My trip to Lourdes was one of the best experiences of my life. It was my second trip abroad and the longest I have ever been away from home and my parents. It was my first trip to Lourdes and as soon as I arrived, I was amazed by the beauty of Lourdes and the surrounding countryside. The bus drive through this countryside set the mood. I went with a group of friends, and this helped make the trip memorable for me, sharing new experiences with my friends. Being with friends helped us as were introduced and got to know our pilgrims. We also met many new people from right across the Diocese, who I am now friends with. I also met many people from around the world and have kept in touch with some of them. Lourdes gives you the amazing feeling that you are truly part of something much bigger.
As a group we were given two pilgrims to help in particular, but we also helped anyone who needed or wanted our help. My favourite part of the pilgrimage was the Mass of the Anointing of the Sick, as this was a bonding moment with our pilgrims and as a community together, as many of us were anointed. I would love to go to Lourdes again, to help the sick or as personal pilgrim, and I would recommend anyone to go as it is an amazing experience.
Lourdes effects your faith deeply, it is a moving spiritual place. It was a privilege to be able to help others and witness how it moved them. For one of my pilgrims, it was their last trip to Lourdes and it was deeply moving witnessing how they were affected by their experience.
