Lourdes, 2007 

As Dublin airport drew closer, I began to question why I was going to France on this cold September morning. Missing my second week of college, going somewhere I didn’t know and more importantly going with people I didn’t know – it all seemed to be too much. But upon entering the airport I was greeted by big friendly smiles. 

I quickly reassured myself that this was going to be alright. As people began the introductions, close friendships that had been paused for the last fifty weeks began to re-emerge. Close friendships were most notable in the group. I couldn’t wait to get to know these people better. The group began to bond together at the check-in desks. As we moved towards Lourdes, there seemed to be a different person to your left and right every time you looked around. At first the large numbers seemed daunting, but the only cure was to talk to everyone and to get into the spirit of the OYS.

The first view of Lourdes reminded me of other small towns in France; except there was something different about this one. The large groups of people praying loudly on the street walking towards the Grotto blended with the hustle and bustle of a market town. The shops were a hive of activity selling everything imaginable for the pilgrims around the Domain. But central to the whole activity was the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Although the rain lashed on us as we went around the town, there was a sense of place when all the periods of Bernadette’s life had been explained. Knowing who the girl was helped us in linking the grotto to the person. I have had many experiences in Lourdes, but one of the most memorable is seeing the grotto for the first time. Although it was in the dark with the rain pelting, there was a sense of peacefulness that cannot be explained but must be felt to be understood.

We had to put our feelings on hold when the guests came the next day. It was not hard to do. They were so friendly and encouraging. I wanted to do all possible to make their pilgrimage as comfortable as possible. As we waited with baited breath for the arrival of the pilgrims the anxiety was palpable. Working with a more experienced OYS member, I was introduced to my first guest. Betty ended up leading me to her room and patting me on the head. She laughed when I said it was my first time as she waved to all her friends as they came down to the right floor. I thought how alike the group were with the OYS, with conversations starting all over the hospital floor about the past year, who was there and who was not, who had a grandchild or new neighbour. With my nerves relaxing I continued through the day amazed at the resilience of some guests. The day was made easier through the instructions of the more experienced members who made sure to say hi and introduce the ‘newbies’ to the more knowledgeable guests.

It is true to say that the week flew. The early mornings were not my favourite part, but with the joyful call from my room mate, things were always positive. Aisling, my room mate and I got the opportunity with some others to take part in some of the ceremonies. It is something that I would encourage anyone to do if they have the chance. By interacting with the ceremonies, they began to take on a new meaning. Being part of something, like the overall Oblate pilgrimage, makes it extremely rewarding.