Lourdes 2015 - Day 4

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. 

Lourdes 2015 - Day 3

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.

Lourdes 2015 - Day 2

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:

Lourdes 2015 - Day 1

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).

Coach 4 Lourdes 2015 - Final Meeting

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.

Coach 4 Lourdes 2015 - The Funraiser, 10/4/15

As we all know, the best way to have a good time is to put ourselves through crippling humiliation in front of our best mates. This is the essence of Coach 4, and the main exhibition of this philosophy comes in the form of our Funraiser at St. Mary's Parish Centre.

Group 6 won the decade-themed quiz, but we were all winners really.

Here are some images of the night.

Friday 19th February: Short and silent apparition

Bernadette came to the Grotto with a lighted blessed candle. This is the origin of carrying candles and lighting them in front of the Grotto.

Coach 4 Lourdes 2015 - Meeting 3

Our pilgrimage, fun though it may be, is a week of intense work. It requires a new level of physical and mental rigour, as we are asked to complete strenuous tasks and solve problems from the (ironically) unholy hour of 5am at the earliest to 11pm, with quick breaks for lunch and dinner at the hotel in between. You will walk miles. You will sweat buckets. You will probably want to give up at times. But for all the tough work we are faced with, there are an infinite amount of calming and pleasurable moments in Lourdes that make it all worthwhile. The very act of working as a 400-strong team in faith is magical. And the feeling you get when looking back at what you have achieved is incredibly satisfying, and even cathartic.

At our last meeting, Christine outlined the sort of activities and issues we might face: the slippery-when-wet red road that guides pilgrims from the St. Frai; the frightening-at-first Baths and Over 18’s duty in the St. Frai; manoeuvring voitures (chariot style wheelchairs) for larger pilgrims; climbing the various hills of the town; attending mass every day. The list goes on. It is a packed schedule, but one that is very stimulating.

Some youth pilgrims enjoy the work so much that they want to take on a new role later in life. The first step might be joining the St. Frai team, who wear purple t-shirts and do various duties in the hospital, but a further step up would take you onto the Hospitalite. Chris Wright, former Coach 4 member and husband to Titch, one of our beloved staff members, is now part of the Hospitalite. He came to the last meeting to talk about the jobs that they do in Lourdes. As their name suggests, they spend most of their time in the St. Frai doing hands on work with the pilgrims. Some of them are specialist doctors and nurses, while others are regular people who are willing to work behind the scenes to keep the pilgrims safe and healthy. From making teas and coffees to doing personal care, they fuel and maintain the pilgrimage.

Chris’ job is to take pilgrims from Liverpool on the jumbulance. This is for pilgrims who are unable to travel by plane, and need extra care while they travel. I have personally dealt with bed-ridden pilgrims while working in the baths. To see a man with such a debilitated body brought into a state of peace by bathing in the blessed spring was nothing less than miraculous. It’s small wonder that the members of the Hospitalite come back every year to carry out these tough tasks. It reaffirms faith in oneself, each other and in God. And it is only through perseverance that Bernadette built up a relationship with Our Lady, convinced her peers that the apparitions were a reality.

Thursday 18th February: The Lady Speaks

For the first time, the Lady spoke. Bernadette held out a pen and paper asking her to write her name. She replied; "It is not necessary" and she added: "I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the other. Would you be kind enough to come here for a fortnight?"