For St. Patrick’s Parish the emphasis for our young is that they experience that Jesus is love, they look beyond and see the face of Jesus in each situation, as they realise that God is present in our everyday lives; our family, work, study, sport, music and prayer.  With that being said the Parish has witnessed an increase of young people interested in giving of their time by assisting with the sick and infirm.  Their Christianity shines out in their love and care of the sick.

 During our preparatory meetings their responsibilities are given.  They assist with the daily processions, carrying banners and flags, pushing wheelchairs, helping the sick and infirm to get around Lourdes.  They may be asked to assist in setting up and serving during the liturgical services as well as spending time at the Grotto.

One young member describe Lourdes the following way ‘I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be a place of peace and quiet’.

Katie Bailey aged 15 years gave the following statement

Well, having just returned from the end of our spiritual journey in Lourdes.  I had the privilege of being one of the youth travelling as a helper on the St. Patrick’s parish pilgrimage to Lourdes.  When I found out I got picked to go as a helper I was also a bit nervous about going.  But in the end it turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life.

The tasks included taking less-able-bodied pilgrims to the ceremonies and down to the grotto in wheelchairs.  At night we took part in the candle lit procession, which is an amazing sight, where everyone has a lighted candle.  While we were there we were encouraged by Fr. Mark to go to the baths and experience what many thousands of pilgrims have done many times before.  I was nervous and a bit worried about going to these baths but glad that I went in the end.  We saw so many other people that were very ill, and not able to enjoy life as much as we do.  It really made me aware of how lucky I am and how much I take for granted.

Another area of the pilgrimage was the days they set aside for group bonding.  Fr. Mark took us all to an adventure centre one afternoon, which was great.  This pilgrimage has really highlighted to me that prayer is extremely important especially when we are sick.  And that not everybody is as well off as myself and we shouldn’t forget about all of the sick all over the world just because we are back home from Lourdes and back to our normal lifestyles.

I have made lots of new friendships from the youth and the pilgrims that were all on the St. Patrick’s pilgrimage.  And would advise any young people out there who is thinking of going.  All I can say is go for it.  That it was an amazing experience and I wish to do it again someday soon!