It rained in the morning, but this was no burden at all compared to the challenges Christ faced during the Passion; the pilgrims donned ponchos to view the 'low' Stations of the Cross (flat stations made for accessibility).
Mass in the Rosary Basilica is always special, not least because its golden mosaiced walls and ornaments are a welcome change from the concrete of the majority of the Sanctuaire. This chapel is the first of three incorporated into one huge building that resembles the Disney palace.
Torchlight procession must be the finest way to end a day in Lourdes. For a lot of pilgrims, this is the reason they make the journey. It is deeply prayerful, achingly pretty and a reminder of the power of the catholic faith.
Yesterday was our day off, but it was more like a day on. In the morning we took a short coach ride to Bartres, where Bernadette lived for a while in her youth. Mass was said on a playground (the roundabout acting as an altar) and followed by intense games of football and rounders.
Back in Lourdes, we did our reconciliation with a twist. Whereas we usually stick with one venue, we did the service in stations, starting at the hotel and working our way through the domain. As we went to confession, the rest of the group sang hymns old and new; Mary Norris' influence gave the evening a vintage feel. It was a joyful occasion, to celebrate the joyful sacrament of reconciliation.
For many people, the Grotto mass is the pinnacle of the Lourdes experience. Yesterday, we came together to celebrate the Eucharist at the site of the apparitions. Though the morning was painfully early, the rising sun added to the allure of this little paradise in rock.
The sun always seems to shine when we take the pilgrimage photo, which took place after mass in front of the basilica. Many of us took advantage of the Archbishop's position at the centre of the photo to grab a selfie with him. He's probably the most photographed Arch Bish in the world right now.
After lunch, some of us went to serve in the baths. It was a singularly emotional session, with each of us witnessing touching moments of faith in action. The girls remarked of the unique relationship they developed with their colleagues and pilgrims. Here's what Emma (below) said:
'This is my first time in Lourdes experiencing the over 18 side of the pilgrimage, and the one word I have to describe it is, phenomenal. I have been lucky enough to serve in the baths this year and words simply cannot explain the overwhelming sense of accomplishment I have gained in such a short time. The baths give all volunteers a chance to see more of the hard work that goes into increasing the ability to strengthen your faith. I have been reflecting on my previous visits to the baths and how you don't fully appreciate the work that goes on to ensure you have a spiritual and most of all safe experience when connecting with the Holy Virgin. The baths is the perfect place to be at peace with yourself and Our Lady, a memory that will last forever.'
The sun continued to beat down during the blessed sacrament procession, all the way into the Underground Basilica - a sort of car-park looking concrete chapel of epic proportions. It's a quiet service of adoration, where we feel the physical presence of the Lord as the lights are dimmed and incense swirls.
But the strongest place where we feel God is with each other. Lourdes worked its magic once again as we had a catechesis session on the prairie across from the basilica. Christine encouraged us to compliment the person next to us, in spite of how long we had known them, and the result was heart warming. We're so lucky to have a coach full of loving and talented people.
We allowed these thoughts to resound within us as we bypassed the candle lit Grotto on the way home. It was a tranquil end to a very busy day.
The day began, unusually, in quite a leisurely fashion. With time before the welcome mass in the afternoon, Father Sean led a short catechesis session on the importance of saying the rosary. We were assigned the mission to find a new area in Lourdes specially set aside for doing this. We discovered a tent over the river from the grotto. It contained a darkened room with screens all around displaying a dramatisation of a young person's spiritual journey. As this played, we said decades of the rosary, a task set by Our Lady when she appeared to Bernadette. Later was the joyful occasion of welcome mass, when pilgrims and youth are first (re)united. The main aspect of this mass is the blessing of hands. Lourdes is about physical work; being active so that pilgrims can relax. The focus on our hands reminds us of this task.
The final activity of the day's was also physically taxing: the Stations of the Cross. The life-size stations are placed on a steep hill by the domain which we climb while remembering Jesus' struggle during the passion. Each group led a short reflection on a couple of stations - always one of the most touching moments of the pilgrimage.
Though the story of the passion is painful and sorrowful, the overriding message of the presentations was one of joy. Again and again, we were reminded that, no matter how many burdens we carry and how much pain we go through, our Coach 4 family will be there to pick us up. The night ended with a vintage Coach 4 night in the Geneve, our regular bar year after year.
On the approach to Lourdes, after the dark emptiness of the French motorways, the spectacular skyline of the Pyrenees came into view. Fr. Sean reminded us to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Equally beautiful is Lourdes this small pilgrimage town nestled among these stunning hills, and the pilgrims that visit it.
After arrival at our beloved St. Jean Baptiste hotel, Sean took us on his magical mystery tour of the town, stopping at the Parish Church where Bernadette was baptised, Le Cachot (the previous residence of St. Bernadette Soubirous), the fort, the Soubirous family grave and the newly renovated Grotto. It's important for us to get a sense of our surroundings, so we can track the path of Bernadette to the site of the apparitions.
With aching bodies, we trudged over the river to the welcome mass. It was led by the archbishop, who stressed the importance of abiding by God's law, thinking of others first and accepting the mission. Each coach was given a Tom Cruise style 'Mission Impossible' case (cleverly disguised as box file) with tasks for the week ahead.
This week, one of the main missions we have to complete is helping the elderly and infirm. Group 2's night prayer prepared us for this. They focussed on love, family and unity, and explained through stories and poems the importance of compassion and unconditional love. During today's first encounters with vulnerable pilgrims, we must see how God works through them. As Group 2 taught us, we need to use love to enrich their Lourdes experience:
As we cross the channel, we can feel ourselves crossing over into a new episode of our lives. The problems faced on the gruelling, sweaty coach journey are outweighed by excitement for the week ahead.
At 6.45 this morning, however, it was hard to appear enthusiastic. It took considerable effort to fire up our singing voices, step up to the lectern to read or even keep our eyes open during mass. But Father Sean still managed to lead an engaging service - one that reminded us of the importance of seeking (and finding) God.
The theme of this year's pilgrimage is The Joy of Mission. Maybe we should make it our mission to actively seek God. Already, by joining Coach 4 and making our way to Lourdes, we are some way to achieving this.
Enduring the next 20-odd hours is the next step. To pass the time we have a dazzling array of Disney films, a quiz with a huge cash prize and the pleasure of Justin Turnbull's company, who will be telling a few of his ripping yarns every hour.
We also really enjoy hearing tweets from well-wishers at home. Anthony has announced the messages that came through this morning. Please keep in touch throughout the week @coach4wiganandleig (yes, the 'H' is omitted on purpose).
In our final meeting before our departure on Thursday, Aileen, a veritable legend in the Liverpool Archdiocese, paid us a visit to teach us this year's hymns.
For years, she has been the voice of the pilgrimage, leading the music during Youth Alive masses at Lowe House in St. Helens and youth masses and services in Lourdes. She and her guitar are the linchpin of some thirty musicians and singers, who help to channel the Spirit through song, and elevate our worship.
Aileen seemed to think that Coach 4 are proficient in doing this. Historically, we are one of the most vocal groups on the pilgrimage, both during mass and while having a drink in the evening.
Considering the importance of music to the Coach 4 experience - and to give the newbies a little tuition - this blog is dedicated to some of the tracks that have defined the last five-or-so years in Lourdes. Some are chorussed in the pews; others are belted in the bars at night. But all of these songs will become the soundtrack to your week. They'll probably stay with you for the rest of your life.
Erasure - A Little Respect
Gets the night off to a lively start. Our version involves fewer synths.
Matt Redman - Blessed Be Your Name
One of the praise and worship anthems of a few years ago that lives long in the memory. You'll hear this in one of our coach masses during the week - probably held on the play area in Bartres.
The Dubliners/Father Sean - Wild Rover
Famously sung by our coach chaplain (and any other staff member who can be coerced), this is an absolute classic. I still don't know all the lyrics.
Boyce & Stanley - Taste and See
Sends a shiver down the spine during every communion. The most requested hymn in the Archdiocese by far, and for good reason. It's a seven minute epic comparable to Stairway to Heaven.
Robbie Williams - Angels
Coach 4's anthem. Get your voices ready.
Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)
The Redman strikes again. This track took everyone by surprise last year. It wasn't played by the band, but was played through the speakers during mass. It seemed to resonate with everyone, and helped them to reflect on an amazing week. It holds particular significance for Coach 4 because it was played during the service in which two of our members - Kate and James - were confirmed.
Sunday 27th February: Penance
Over one thousand people were present at the ecstasy. Bernadette prayed, kissed the ground and moved on her knees as a sign of penance. She was then taken to the house of Judge Ribes who threatened to put her in prison.
