Day 6 - Miracles

In amongst all the fun we have together on Coach 4, and around Lourdes, our contact with the pilgrims is by far the most rewarding part of the week. The stories you hear can be emotional, inspiring, or hilarious. Today we had some time to spend with the pilgrims taking them to the baths, or (for the over 18's) esplanade duty. 

The days certainly are non-stop. The overs only had 15 minutes to eat lunch before running down to the St Frai for afternoon duty with the pilgrims. No one minds making little sacrifices -like missing dessert- because the rewards for helping with the pilgrims are so great.

I heard an amazing story that a genuine cure had taken place in the baths to a pilgrim called Keith. He came to Lourdes unable to move with ease because of illness. But he stood up out of the holy baths, and I've seen with my own eyes him walking to give me a hug. His story is so wonderful, but he said whatever happened to him doesn't matter. It's a miracle but he said the best thing this week has been the youth. The yellow t-shirts made his week.

What happened to Keith is astounding. You couldn't talk to him without getting shivers down your spine. But he appreciates the little miracles of the week; the fact we are all helping each other, putting smiles on faces. In every pilgrims lives that we have touched, and in every way they touch you shows that Lourdes truly is a place of miracles.

Day 5 - the rain never bothered us anyway

Days off are always a highlight of the week. A chance for a lie in, some shopping and a bit of time to just relax with the rest of Coach 4. After a lazy morning we got our packed lunches and travelled to Batres.

It was a different kind of day. We had mass with a roundabout as the altar. We had the chance to offer up our own intentions out loud, making some very personal bidding prayers. The chance to share in each other's worrys is a very special moment. We played football and netball after our lunch, then up to the cafe for ice cream.

Despite it being our day off, we decided to walk in the torchlight. And then the heavens opened. Liverpool cancelled our involvement, but Coach 4 was already down in the Domain, ponchos on, and ready to walk. So we did. There was few people, not many torches, but we braved the weather and did as Bernadette told us; 'come walk in procession'. Our yellow ponchos stood out like torches themselves, and I am proud to be part of a Coach that lets it's light shine, whatever the weather.

Day in the life of Kate

On the first day of our Lourdes pilgrimage at the end of the day, we had a mass at Bernadette's church. It was during this mass that myself, James and Jono were confirmed. 

We went down to the church early and met the archbishop who introduced himself and said 'don't be nervous'. He told us the procedure and reassured us everything would be ok. 

Before it happened I was apprehensive and nervous because I didn't know what to expect. But after meeting the Bishop I had more confidence and felt more at ease.

In the middle of the mass he called us out with our sponsors, and we had to stand in a line at the front. Our sponsors had their hands on our shoulders during the confirmation and we individually knelt down before the altar. 

Afterwards I felt really fulfilled,renewed, and my faith had been depeened. To make my confirmation in Lourdes was fitting for our theme of conversion, and overall a strengthening and enlightening experience.

Day 4 - Unified

The midweek point has come and I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all excited for our day off.  Everyday we make more friends, do more activities as a coach, and grow stronger because of it.

Tonight was very special as we walked the uphill stations of the cross. The thought that was put into the stations by every group was astounding. Justin summed it up perfectly in a special story time, before a really moving night prayer. We were given people to pray for in our groups, and also more general causes to pray for. We prayed for coach legend member Chris who unfortunately has been unable to come. We are missing him very much and hoping for a quick recovery. We also thought about our families at home.

Moments like these come often during the week. The sincerity and thoughtfulness of other coach members is beautiful, and sometimes quite emotional. But everyone feels similarly, so are able to support each other through the hard times. The unity between us is apparent in a supporting hand walking up a hill, a helpful tissue or a much needed hug. I am just glad to be sharing these special days with even more special people.

Day 3 - In the silence

Sometimes Lourdes can be the most hectic place in the world. Like when you get woken up at 6:15 (as we are doing tomorrow), or are in the St Frai with Hospitalite running around and you crossing with other pilgrimages. Today we had our first chance to meet with the pilgrims, which in itself can be a stressful particularly for first timers. The sheer number of visitors to Lourdes makes the domain a busy place, so it's quite easy to get bewildered in the face of everything.

However Lourdes is also a quiet place of prayer and reflection. Small moments of calm happen all the time. Tonight in the torchlight procession we stood in the light of our candles in front of the Rosary Basilica. Walking around in silence gave a sense of being part of something huge, whilst still giving the chance for individual quietness. The night prayer that followed maintained this feeling, based around the theme of unity and togetherness. Ten minutes later we were shaking tambourines, playing instruments, singing loudly and dancing our tired little feet off. Still the same sense of togetherness, just expressed in a different (more vocal) way.

We are sharing this wonderful experience of opposites together as a Coach. There are so many ups but also downs but experiencing these emotions is simply experiencing Lourdes. Group 1's night prayer yesterday focused on the theme of peace. It can be found in feeling happy  with the coach members, singing loudly and clapping; or as Group 1 put it simply, "Peace can be found in the silence".

Day in the life of Abigail

Hello all, Yesterday we started our journey to Lourdes, it was however also my 18th birthday. After an early 5:45 wake up, cards opened, last minute packing completed I set off, slightly late, for our departure destination. After mass and farewells we were off! I was greeted on the coach by many a embarrassing photos, provided lovingly by Lauren and Hannah. We played party games such as pass the parcel and musical hand, sadly I feel the need to inform you that I was out in the first round. Before we got on the ferry, we had cake and happy birthday was sung. Everything was eaten quickly as the icing had already started melting from the heat of the day. Shout out to Jess Harrison for picking such a good cake. I had an amazing birthday and would like to thank all of coach 4 for making my day so special. 

Day 2 - Dreams

We have arrived safe and sound, after a very tiring journey. Lourdes weather is being as unpredictable as ever, with a mix of humidity, sunshine, but currently a downpour. Let's just say the walk to the Mass of Welcome will be...wet. 

St Jean Baptiste hotel I.e. C4's home for the week has been settled into - bags unpacked, meals had, and videos are already being filmed on the Balcony (hint hint check our YouTube later). 

Look at us all enjoying our Chicken and chips.

As it's our first day in Lourdes, we went on Father Seans infamous tour of Lourdes. This year it was interesting even for members who had been before, as we visited some new places. We saw the graves of Bernadette's family in the Lourdes Cemetary, with the Basilica visible in the background as a reminder what this normal family will forever be linked to.

We also visited Maximilian Kolbe exhibit where we watched a presentation about becoming a saint. A Brother talked to us about Kolbe's story, with his inspiration obvious. Kolbe gave up his life to preserve a family in a concentration camp, which made me think about what I'd give up my life for. Maybe not in the physical sense, but it prompted thoughts about what is really important. What is worth devoting your life to? The speaker ended talking to us by saying "Do you have your dreams?" Whether it is something you want to achieve this year, in this lifetime, or simply this week in Lourdes: believe in your dreams and give your all.

Day 1 - Are we there yet?

We are fast approaching Dover, then the long stretch through France down to our destination. The coach is lulling along as we watch frozen, and many eyes are slowly closing. We did have an early start this morning so you'll have to let us off! We'll need a snooze with many more early mornings to come.

At our coach departure mass this morning in St Johns, we celebrated together for the first time this week. It's always a lovely mass to see the whole coach plus everyone's families- the perfect way to start off our journey.

We received the name of our prayer partner; the person we pray for throughout the week. We also look out for them, and reveal at the end of the week exchanging prayer partner gifts! I'd tell you who I have but it's top secret...

Even the coach has been fun, as C4 4th-timer Abi turned 18 today so we've had a party complete with pass the parcel and party games. We've even decorated the coach with pictures and banners. So a big Happy Birthday to Abi! What better present than a full 24 hours with her Coach 4 family?

There is still a way to go yet but we are all having fun, getting to know each other, and sharing our excitement to just arrive in Lourdes already. I can't wait!

Lourdes 2014

And so we begin another year, another pilgrimage. Another Coach 4 has spent the year fundraising, meeting and preparing - but finally Lourdes 2014 is about to become a reality. As we speak, 500 young people are desperately trying to fit another yellow polo into their suitcases.

Christine (that's our Coach leader for any new supporters) always talks about how our pilgrimage starts the very moment we say 'yes' and send our application off. We have the whole year to look forward to our week in Lourdes. Coach 4 had a lovely Christmas themed FUNdraiser where we all got to know each other and laugh wearing Christmas Jumpers...in February! We also had a brilliant night of raffles, music and entertainment to raise money for the Coach. Meetings along the way helped us plan our group Night Prayers, learn more about Lourdes and really think about our role, and why we go. It doesn't seem two minutes since the first meeting - and here it is the night before we set off!

We have some new and exciting things going on in Lourdes to connect to other coaches, other pilgrims, and of course everyone back home. Here on the Coach 4 blog, I (Beth, 17, 4th time Coach 4 member) will be giving a daily blog with pictures of our day to day lives to update everyone at home. Here, every day we will also have another Coach 4 member blogging about their experiences. Everyone has a story to tell, so this is one way of relaying. Another of course is the youtube channel, which will feature our classic 'Balcony Interviews', and 'Where are they Now'. The media team meeting was buzzing with ideas for new videos, instagrams, tweets. So make sure you keep in touch! The mealtime read out of tweets always puts a smile on everyone's faces.

Anthony on the Coach 4 instagram has posted some top tips to surviving Lourdes, and I did a similar Do's and Don'ts post last year. I think the most important thing is to throw yourself into the Lourdes experience, whether that means taking part whilst in Lourdes, or participating at home. This is only the beginning...