Our Pilgrimage to Lourdes this year differed from previous pilgrimages in several respects. It was my first year as pilgrimage director. Due to delays in opening the bookings and an increase in the price we were a smaller number than usual. Bishop Ralph had retired as bishop of Hallam.
Nevertheless, on 26 June 118 of us flew from Leeds Bradford airport to Lourdes without any delays. There were regular and new pilgrims, assisted pilgrims and helpers, and 11 people in the Diocesan Youth Group.
It was obvious that some things never change. The pilgrims were soon getting to know each other, and looking forward to the week ahead. We stayed in familiar hotels where we are assured of a warm welcome and exemplary care. Our Bishop Emeritus, Bishop Ralph, lead the pilgrimage supported by Fr Michael Umameh, Fr Calistus Nwobi, and Fr Bede Dike – all experiencing Lourdes for the first time.
We arrived at the end of the French red heat wave warning, but still had temperature of 35 C for two days, followed by some welcome rain and slightly lower temperatures for the rest of the week.
Our time together in Lourdes began with the blessing of the hands of the helpers and pilgrims in service to each other. This was followed by the water gesture, when, following Our Lady’s instructions to Bernadette, we washed and drank from the spring in the Grotto. Many people make this gesture individually as they enter the sanctuary, and it seems an appropriate way to begin our days in Lourdes.
We had an opportunity to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick, and attend Mass at the Grotto. We participated as a diocese in the Blessed Sacrament and Torchlight Processions and the International Mass. Small groups made the stations of the cross. Many people joined in Lectio divina sessions and found them to be prayerful and inspiring. We hope to develop this next year.
Even though we had a smaller group of young people this year eveyone responded positively and with a generosity I have come to expect, but still find truly awesome.
Our smaller numbers gave a feeling of intimacy to the pilgrimage that is difficult to achieve when there is a larger group, and we returned spiritually refreshed ready to face another year. Russell Brynes
