Lourdes 2024

Earlier this month, a group of students led by two members of staff headed on their journey to Lourdes to complete their pilgrimage. After a tough journey where the coach unfortunately broke down, they made it. Lourdes is a place that welcomes millions or pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, following in Bernadette Soubirous' footsteps on her pilgrimage. The trip involved Mass, walking tours, torchlight processions, vigils, and a Diocesan celebration. 

Notre Dame staff and students helped the Faith and Light group for the trip. Margaret Stapylton works at Faith and Light, and regularly takes a group to Lourdes on the pilgrimage. Margaret is also the ex-Head of PTE at Notre Dame. She sent us this update - 

'We are so grateful to our friends, the young people from Notre Dame and their leaders. They got up for an early breakfast so they could accompany and support our Faith and Light group on a visit to the City of the Poor. In teams of 4, they pulled our wheelchair users up hill using leather straps. We shared a very special Mass together in the Sheepfold Chapel. Most importantly, we shared time and our stories and enjoyed each others' company. It was a previous, peaceful interval in a busy week. Thank you to the student team and to staff leaders Tom and Katy for helping make it happen. God bless'

Since the trip, a couple of students have started volunteering with the Faith and Light group following their return to Leeds and have so far been to one of their meetings.

Bettina Cahlig, a student who went on the trip commented 'Without a doubt, I'd say that Lourdes was one of the best experiences of my life and will always hold a special place in my heart. The whole week was honestly amazing and I love how it brought all of us together regardless of whether we just met each other at Notre Dame or have known each other for many years. Even though we faced a few challenges during the trip (particularly on the way to Lourdes) we kept reminding ourselves that we are pilgrims, not tourists.'

Students helping a pilgrim	Staff and students with Bishop Marcus, Monseigneur Paul Grogan (the Episcopal Vicar for Education) and Fr Marc Homsey
Bishop Marcus holding the Notre Dame banner	Fr Benjamin Hilton, who is Notre Dame alumni, helping our students

Tom and Katy, both from the law department, and the staff who supported the students in Lourdes said 'An amazingly rewarding trip where students are able to visit a unique place and live out the virtues which Notre Dame builds itself around. All students were a credit to themselves and the college, and it was a pleasure to be able to help the students gain such a valuable experience'.