The pilgrimage to Lourdes, as part of the 25th Westminster Diocesan Pilgrimage, was an unforgettable occasion for Little Sisters and Residents at St. Anne’s. It was a remarkable experience from the moment we began our journey, which was very well organised, with everyone ready and open to help wherever necessary. Arriving at the Hotel everyone was made very welcome by the Pilgrims who were already there, and the staff at the hotel, where everything was provided with the greatest care.
The Theme of the pilgrimage was “The Joy of Conversion”. Both Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor were present taking part in all the ceremonies. The Westminster Diocesan Silver Jubilee Mass was celebrated at the Grotto, where one is reminded of the great unity of everyone’s thought of our Blessed Lady appearing to Bernadette, and the graces she obtains for so many and the numerous requests entrusted to her intercession.
Sharing experiences of Lourdes
“The experience of the group has been one of great enlightenment with regard to the care and love especially towards the sick. Sharing of our faith and taking great care in looking after each other has been surely a fruit of the many graces we have been blessed with by our Lady”.
“The word of God has enlightened us every day: a word of conversion and joy. Some of the highlights were, the blessing of the sick, the torch light procession, the mass at ‘Cite St Pierre’, the mass at the Grotto with the Cardinal: difficult to pick just one”.
“As our Lady of Lourdes called St Bernadette to the Grotto to pray, drink and wash in the Grotto spring we felt called to do the same: to pray and talk to our Lady and to drink and wash at the spring of water”.
“On returning to St Anne’s there was a feeling of great joy and happiness witnessed by those who were there to welcome us back with refreshments which were greatly appreciated as some of us were beginning to feel hungry!”