Last March, students applied to become volunteers on the Carmelite pilgrimage to Lourdes. Ten students were selected, and we then began our fundraising. We organised coffee mornings, bag packs, sweeps on Golf and the Grand National, cake sales and sea swims. We raised almost €11,000. Our half zips were sponsored by Jimmy Dungan from Jimmys’ Superstore who we sat down with and designed the top.
All students received their wheelchair training in early September.
We left Moate early on the 25th of September along with Mr Lee and Ms Feeley. When we arrived at our hotel, we were divided into pairs and assigned the person that we were to look after for the week. We attended our first mass in the small underground chapel. This meant accompanying our person in their wheelchair which was a little daunting as the streets in Lourdes are narrow and very busy, but we got used to it. These journeys to and from the different services and masses were opportunities to chat and get to know the people in our care. We also participated in all the liturgies, some sang, some served mass, some read, some presented gifts and read prayers of the faithful. One day, we presented the Stations of the Cross. There was always a large crowd as all English-speaking pilgrims joined with us.
We were always busy, and our day started very early in the morning and our work continued until late in the evening. One night, we went to the torchlight procession which was amazing to see. Another night, all the youth joined for a service. There was also a talent competition. A crowd of around 400 people gathered in one of the hotels to watch. Conor Callaghan, Hannah Martin and Katie Creggy were representing our group and after stiff competition, we won the Fr Martin Ryan perpetual Cup.
Lourdes is an incredibly special place, there is something about it that affects you in so many ways, spiritually, emotionally, and of course socially. We made amazing connections with the people we looked after; we spent precious time with them and created bonds of friendship that will last. We also got to know young people from all over the country and these friendships will last.
Lourdes is a place that we all want to return to. It is a beautiful town with amazing scenery. The five days we spent together will remain with us and hopefully one day, we will return.
We would like to thank all who supported us on our journey, our families, all those who supported our fund raising, Jimmys Superstore, the Carmelite Community in Moate and nationally, Mary and Michael Parkinson and our school. The gifts we have received are immeasurable.
Image 1 Girls: Evie Campbell, Hannah Martin, Muireann Lowry, Katie Creggy, Aisling Murphy, Emma Blagriff Boys: Gavin Quilty, Conor Callaghan, Oran Finlay, Niall Maxwell
Image 2 Conor Callaghan, Oran Finlay, Niall Maxwell, Muireann Lowry, Emma Blagriff, Gavin Quilty, Hannah Martin, Aisling Murphy, Katie Creggy, Evie Campbell
Image 3 Back: Conor Callaghan, Niall Maxwell, Muireann Lowry, Gavin Quilty, Oran Finlay
Middle: Ms A Feeley, Hannah Martin, Evie Campbell, Mr. F Lee
Front: Emma Blagriff, Katie Creggy, Aisling Murphy