The Penultimate Post

I can't believe it's our second to last day in Lourdes! The week has gone so quickly (too quickly - I wish we never had to leave). However we have had a lovely day off today!

We had a lie in till 9:30 which was brilliant after a tiring week. We then had the morning to have a nice thorough shower, pack our suitcases for tomorrow, and even have an impromptu ukulele singsong on the balcony! We then went to the Geneve for some pizza and chips...mmmmm.

Then off to Bartres! It was 37 degrees so lots of sunbathing and sweating. We played a football tournament, well done winners Cunny, Chris, Oli, Tony, and Callum! Even in the loosing boys vs girls, thanks to Joes shocking own goal. the girls won! Then to the cafe for some deserved ice cream! 

Back in Lourdes we lit candles at the grotto, including our coach candle. It's always an emotional time, but a supportive hug is always provided to comfort you (or sometimes touch you so you cry even more!) but it is lovely to go down as a coach and pray together.

Shopping has been done, the cases have been packed, and we're heading to Reconciliation and our last night out singing with Coaches 3 and 7.

It's been a beautiful day. 

Another busy one...

It's just before tea on a scorching Lourdes afternoon. Plenty of ice cream and slushes to keep cool!

This morning we have been concerned with lighting candles in the grotto or going into the holy baths with the pilgrims. Benedict said "It's always an amazing experience bathing in the waters from the spring. There's always a special feeling when you come out. I feel a lot happier". Personally I got extremely emotional coming out, so in a role reversal my pilgrim looked after me for a while! Though we support our pilgrims with transportation, reassurance and care, our pilgrims support us in many ways too.

After lunch we took the pilgrims to mass in the Chapel of Saint Bernadette before some time with the pilgrims.

Now I'd like relay the story of Bernadette and Vin. Bernie I had the pleasure of taking into the baths, and she told me the story of how her and Vin met. Bernie was a handmaiden and Vin was a Brancardie, and they first met underneath the arches in the St Frai during the 1966 pilgrimage to Lourdes. They got married in 1968, so have just celebrated their 45th Anniversary. Vin is a deacon, and has served at masses this week, and has been to Lourdes 50 times, and Bernadette has been just over 20. They were both lovely, and I feel honoured that they shared their story.

We're just having some group time, sorting out for stations of the cross tonight before tea, and recording the latest Balcony Interview!

Also we have *just* hit 1000 views on this blog! Thank you for your continued support!

Day off tomorrow...(we cannot wait!)

Coach 4 cares.... WE LOVE IT

Well it's the end of another busy C4 day!

I have been told I have to talk about the fact that today has been my birthday! I've had a lovely day, with lots of well wishes from pilgrims and youth alike which has made it really special. Love you all!

This morning the over 18's got up super early to do their duties at the St Frai. Today they have been working non stop and we are very proud!

Us unders had a lie in till 9 (yesss) before craft activities such as making candle holders and bracelets. 

We then took the pilgrims to the Rosary Basicila mass. It's so beautiful, which makes having mass there so much better.

Afterwards we had time to go have a drink or go shopping with our pilgrims. 

Anne and Gerald, our favourite C4 hotel pilgrims there enjoying the balcony sunshine!

At night we did the torchlight procession with our pilgrims, which is always a really moving and special experience. One of the best sights in Lourdes is when the sun goes down and the lights begin to illuminate the grotto.

We then had a lovely night prayer on the theme of light, and wrote our talents on a candle holder, talking about letting our light shine!

Another good C4 night followed in the Solitude, with an over 18 night afterwards, while the unders went home to gets some sleep or sneak some birthday cake before bed!

Na na na NANANANA COACH 4!

Yesterday was really busy, so we didn't have time to do a post so we'll have to catch up now!

The night before we took part in the youth torchlight procession. Annabel on doing it for the first time said "it took my breath away". 

In the morning we took the pilgrims to the Grotto for Mass, and C4 was extremely fortunate to be sat on the front row, practically inside the grotto! 

We then had our pilgrimage photo! To see the whole youth together in our immense number is incredible. Un, deux, trois, CHEESE! 

In the afternoon we had Blessed Sacrament Procession. In Joes words, it was 'enlightening'.

At night we had a Catechisist session with our own Fr. Sean. We thought a lot about who or what we have faith in, and other people who have faith, particularly in Lourdes. We personalised see through crosses, which we then gave to a friend on C4. We formed a connection with our crosses by looking up at the sky through the glass, and seeing God through creation.

Today it seems that we as a coach have really banded together to support each other. If anyone is finding anything difficult, the whole coach comes together  to help. Whether somebody simply offering some water, a hug when your feeling down, or simply supporting an caring. We are family.

We finished off the busy day as we do best, a sing song in the Geneve. A mix of new songs, and the C4 classics.

We're loving COACH 4 INSTEAD! 

More later...

Finding our Feet

Our first day in Lourdes is going swimmingly!

We woke up bright and early with many jobs to do! Some of our over 18's and Christine have been doing us proud working a shift in the holy baths. They're going to be doing this all week. Sean describes it as "an emotional and spiritual experience. One of the best things you'll ever do."

Some of us used this morning to decorate our box that makes up our pilgrimage Door of Faith. We painted pictures and symbols showing what Lourdes and our faith means to us. E.g a caterpillar changing into a butterfly, signifying the transformative experience we gain from coming to Lourdes.

A lot of our unders have met their VIPs (Visually Impaired Pilgrims) and this morning took them on a tour of Lourdes. 

In the afternoon we then were on duty and took them through the grotto.

Ryan, Ryan and Abi (or Gail) pushing best friends Betty (right) who has been to Lourdes over 45 times, and Theresa (left) who has been for 63 years! 

Betty told us all sorts about her experiences over the years pointing out new things you maybe wouldn't notice. The wisdom you receive from just a short journey with a pilgrim is amazing, and probably why you don't end up getting bored, as even in my third year there is still endless things to learn and experience!

We then went to the pilgrimage Welcome Mass, in the first service the Underground Basilica has seen since the floods.

Last night my own Group 5's night prayer, here we talked about our own faith, what it is and how it is strengthened during our time in Lourdes.

We've had a little rain but the torchlight will still happen tonight, before Group 3's night prayer, and a night in The Royal with Coach 7.

After a busy day getting into the swing of things, hopefully we're finally finding our feet. 

Day 1: Orientation

The sun is shining, C4 is having fun as this beautiful day welcomes us to Lourdes. Yes; we've finally made it!

We had a nice ferry crossing, and a somewhat smooth journey through the French Countryside. We all got changed into our pjs, then tried to get some precious sleep on the coach before our busy week.

"Wakey wakey coach four!" comes Christine over the microphone. A bit of petit dejeuner at a service stop then 2 hours later we're driving into Lourdes with Father Sean leading us in prayer.

Today has been a nice orientation for newbies and the experienced alike. We went on Father Seans infamous Lourdes tour, where we visited the rebuilt parish church where Bernadette got baptised

We then saw the cahot, where Bernadette lived with her family at a time when they were at their poorest. The room was tiny, and you really start to understand who Bernadette was. Poor, uneducated, unassuming, yet she of all people was chosen. 

We finished our tour looking at the Basillica and of course the Grotto itself.

Any trace of the floods do not take away from the beauty of the Domain. 

Callum there washing in the holy water! It's cold so a nice relief in this lovely heat. (Don't worry mums and dads. We're drinking lots of water and wearing suncream honest!)

We've had musician and media meetings this afternoon, or just the chance to have a mooch around the shops or catch a quick nap!

Tonight we have our Youth Welcome Mass, which is the first time all the young people from all the coaches will be together for the first time in Lourdes. We've arrived. We're safe. And we're ready to get to the Geneve with our friends from Coach 3. But mostly we're ready for tomorrow, well rested and anticipating the week ahead.

On the road again!

We are officially en route to Lourdes! Itching to get there as every moment we edge closer and closer.

It seems we've done so much already! We met up at 6:45 albeit still yawning but excited for the journey ahead. We had our Coach leaving mass, with family and friends celebrating with us. Even a few ex-c4 members came down in support. Once a c4 always a c4!

At the end of mass we picked our prayer partner from hearts we wrote our names on and decorated at the very first meeting. The persons heart you have is someone you pray for during the week. It's nice to know somebody is looking out for you, not that you ever know...everybody just looks after each other anyway!

At the moment spirits are still quite high, and the veterans towards the back of the coach are leading us in singing and chanting. We love the back row warriors we do oh back row warriors we love you! After had a nice long stop we're feeling quite refreshed and hopefully ready for the next 20 or so hours. When you put it like that it seems a lifetime, but so far we've been quite entertained by a game of Irish Bingo and a quiz. Due to popular demand we're watching Monsters Inc - you can't beat a nice animated film to start off right!

As I post this we'll be about to get on the ferry for a nice short crossing, before a tranquil ride through France complete with lots more films before settling down and trying to get some sleep! We need all 

Our next post will occur the next time internet access can be found which will be in Lourdes itself! It's a lovely thought to know we'll be there in a matter of hours. I can almost hear the Ave Maria chimes of the Basilica calling our names...

N.B. some questions about commenting on the blog have been asked. I think at the bottom of each post there is a link to "post comment" and you can sign in using a google account/possibly sign in as a guest. But tweeting @coach4wiganleig is a sure way to get in contact plus share around! So as ever....stay tuned.

DO make the most of it DON'T forget your smile

Get packing those polos...only one more day to go!

If you've taken a look at our instagram (instagram.com/cfourwiganleigh) you may have seen "Coach 4's Top Pilgrimage Tips" providing handy advice for those departing tomorrow. In the same vein, here's...

Coach 4's Do's and Don'ts

Do look after your tootsies. Yes that means socks, comfortable trainers, and bring some plasters. The week will involve a lot of walking, and you don't want to be uncomfortable. Plus shoes with backs prevent the dreaded wheelchair banging into your ankle.

Don't be afraid. There are opportunities to be experienced every day; going in the baths, reading in mass/night prayer, getting involved in music or media. It's new and it's different but what better place to try the unknown than with the support of your Coach.

Do be prepared for the weather. Expect the unexpected. Rain will come and go, but your spirit should stay strong and shining...even if the sun isn't.

Don't worry about the journey. 27 hours passes quickly when you have films, quizzes, games and getting to know each other to do!

Do shower when you get the chance. Usually in the afternoon after duties are over is a good time to get clean, get changed, and get ready for the night's festivities. A strong deodorant is a must - nobody likes a sweaty yellow polo!

Don't be nervous about interacting with the pilgrims. It may seem daunting, but they have some wonderful stories to tell and lessons to teach. Also don't worry about pushing wheelchairs or voitures. Just stay on the red path, take turns with your partner, listen and learn.

Do sing loud and proud. Get involved, and have fun. Lourdes is amazing because you stop worrying about the little things, like how you look, and you start only being concerned with more important matters, like how you feel, and what you can do for others.

Do be excited. Tomorrow we will be embarking on a spiritual and emotional journey, as well as our physical one. The next week will be what we make it; something incredible.

See you at 6:45.

2 more sleeps!

All year Lourdes seems so far away, then suddenly you get past June and it arrives all at once! Thankfully everybody has been preparing for months and months to ensure everything is in order for a successful pilgrimage.

In yesterday's post, I mentioned our Coach meetings that have been going on since January so that we have a chance to get to know each other, and learn more about Lourdes as a place, and the part we play. Another integral part is getting together with our groups within Coach 4. Each group of 6 consists of Under 18's, Over 18 Group Leaders and a staff member. Within our group we then plan how to go about leading our Stations of the Cross, and also our themed night prayer whilst in Lourdes. Every evening this communal reflection gives creative and poignant prayer time.

But that's not all we've been doing! We've had two fundraisers this year. A brilliant evening at The Swinley with a raffle, tombola, singing and bonding as we danced the night away to some classic rock 'n' roll. It was really nice to get together along with friends and family, and feel really supported by the community.

We also had a fancy dress "Musicals Night" where each group dressed up as a different musical and performed a number. We had some brilliant entertainment from Bugsy Malone and Hairspray, Pink Ladies and T Birds proved Grease really IS the word, some truly wild dance moves from The Lion King and The Seven Dwarves "Heigh Hoed" to their hearts content.We even had some nuns giving a stunning rendition of "Oh Happy Day" - what a mix ey! We finished off in typical fashion with a nice C4 sing-song which really gave a sense of how much fun we have in Lourdes. Whilst the day is full of hard work but also lots of fun, it's always nice at the end of the day when the yellow polos come off and the guitars come out!

Even in these final weeks, things are still going on! We've had our final meeting where Jenny and Aileen joined us to make sure we were brushed up on our Shout to the North actions and knew all the songs that will be sung in and around Lourdes. Who could ever forget the words to Taste and See anyway? Anthony - C4's very own media wizard - has been tweeting tirelessly from our account @coach4wiganleig. Awareness is growing and we've even received retweets from the likes of Coleen Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Coleen Nolan!

The support we've received has been incredible, and it really makes you feel excited to go forward. Everything seems to be coming together just in time.

2 days to go 2 days to go 2 days to go...

Starting the Journey...

Hello! Welcome to the Coach 4 blog! A place to keep up with Coach 4 goings on and Lourdes experiences.

As I write this, our pilgrimage to Lourdes is only a mere 3 days away. But that is not the beginning. Christine (that's our lovely Coach Leader) always tells us that going on pilgrimage starts the moment you send off your form; as you sign off your name and race to get a place on your coach of choice. You are saying "yes" and making the decision to open yourself up to the opportunity.

Saying "yes" isn't always an easy thing. Even as a weathered old hack going for the third time(!), I am still just a mixture of excitement and nerves and anticipation. I'm sure there are few newbies going for the first time who maybe felt a bit of apprehension. Hopefully most of these fears have already been resolved in the meetings we've had throughout the year. We've learned about our Pilgrims, how to talk to them and care for them safely, taking their thoughts and feelings into consideration. We've also looked at our own personal reasons for coming to Lourdes, and explored this years theme - "Opening the Door of Faith".

Perhaps most importantly, we have started on this journey together as a Coach. Getting to know each other through meetings and fundraisers, and making the friends that ultimately become our family for a week. Even in the toughest times when you've sung your heart out in the infamous Genève the night before, then having got up really early you've found yourself feeling a little tired and are struggling pushing your pilgrim up a nice big hill. Somebody will come and talk to you, give you support and make sure you keep that smile on your face. 

This is what Lourdes is all about. Over 450 young people from the Liverpool Archdiocese come together and make the journey to Lourdes. But that's just one strata of the entire. We have our Coach Leaders and Staff Members. The Priests and Chaplains, the St Frai team, the Hospitalite, of course the Liverpool Pilgrims themselves. Plus all of the thousands of people in Lourdes, both Pilgrims and volunteers, celebrating and experiencing along with us. Then we have everyone else. The parents, the parishioners, the friends. Anybody who is keeping up with the pilgrimage via twitter, watching our youtube videos, or even reading/commenting on this blog! We are all supporting each other, and all have a piece of the puzzle that comes together to create the bigger picture - our pilgrimage.

Whatever part you are playing - whether you are physically coming along with us, or just offering your support...lets hope for a fantastic journey.