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The Welsh National Pilgrimage, July 2005
Initially, the Pastoral Theme for Lourdes 2005, was ‘The Sick and those
who Serve them’. This title was abandoned, because a pilgrimage is not
divided into two groups - the sick on one side and those who look after
them on the other side. The majority of people coming to Lourdes, mainly
outside of an organised pilgrimage, fall into neither of these
categories. Also, those who serve could also come into the category of
those who suffer. A person looking after a person who is physically, or
mentally ill, could be someone who is also suffering. Therefore, the
focus was slightly changed and the words of Christ were used – “Come To
Me All You Who Suffer” (Matt. 11:28). There remains the sign of the
Gospel, for those who spend many hours in their Sanctuary. It is not the
sick themselves, nor the great number of helpers and youth who look
after them. The sign is the relationship that exists and which is
obvious between youth and helpers, and the sick. Lourdes is a place that
welcomes those who suffer, whether their pain is physical, emotional or
mental. We must always remember that Lourdes is, above all, a place
where pilgrims take their sins. We carry our concerns and sufferings to
this holy place and through the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, we
look for comfort and help in our lives from Jesus, her beloved Son.
The Blessed Sacrament Procession
Friday began with Mass at the Grotto, celebrated by Archbishop Peter
Smith and the sermon was given by Bishop Daniel Mullins. A wonderful
event with the whole of the National Pilgrimage in the sacred place of
the Grotto. In the afternoon the sick made the Stations of the Cross,
with the youth helping them by their side. At 9 pm we led the torch
light procession, holding our candles high and singing many hymns as the
procession made its way around the domain to the Rosary Basilica steps.
Many of the youth commented on how spectacular this event was, and how
special it is for the sick.
We left for home on the morning of Tuesday July 26th. Tired and achy,
but with a sense of achievement, pride and spiritual fullness we arrived
home at 2am approx. on Wednesday 27th July. Claire-Louise |
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July 2005 Training Day At the beginning of May we held a training day at the Resource Centre where many of our group learned some practical skills that they will need in Lourdes, - how to push a wheelchair safely and how to meet the strict routine of bed making required at the hospital. Fr. Ross explained how important it is for us to appreciate the V.I.P,’s dedication to services such as Benediction. He led us through highlighted sections of the service to improve our own understanding. Walk to Cardigan On Friday 27th May fourteen of our Haverfordwest crew started out on their 25mile trek to Cardigan. They arrived on Sunday to take part in the annual pilgrimage at Our Lady of the Taper, where they joined the Mass and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament, which was led by the children who has recently made their First Holy Communion. Well done everybody, please pamper those feet ready for our pilgrimage! Fund Raising Activities On Friday 3rd June, Haverfordwest parish organised a fundraiser, a musical extravaganza, entitled ‘Gateway to the Stars’ performed at Withybush Pavilion. Many of our youth took part singing and dancing. A buffet was provided and a wonderful evening was had by all who attended and took part. Then, on Saturday 18th June, Jan and Alan Jones hosted a fantastic ‘Bubbly and Strawberry Party’ at their home in Bishopston. Fundraisers, youth, V.I.P.s and many guests enjoyed a beautiful afternoon sipping bubbly, winning prizes and chatting busily. Thank you Alan and Jan, the proceeds will indeed help to swell our funds.
Photographs of the Youth stalls at the
S.C.V.S Fair
Our final meeting before setting off on July 19th to Lourdes will be
held on Sunday 26th June when the youth will be put into their groups
and allotted a team leader and deputy. Claire-Louise
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May, 2005 This year, 2005, is the fifteenth anniversary of the
‘Menevia Youth Pilgrimage’ to Lourdes. We should say a prayer of thanks
and gratitude for the chaplains and organisers for initiating this
ongoing pilgrimage, with the youth from every corner of the Menevia
Diocese. Each pilgrimage has brought its own special rewards and graces,
and which carry many blessings. The world is only just accepting the
loss of Our Dear Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, a wonderful example to
us all, a humble and holy man, who had such a deep commitment to Our
Lady and the Rosary. A weakened Pope John Paul II had delivered to a crowd
of more than 250,000 pilgrims, including many sick, a powerful call to
defend life from the moment of conception to its natural end. “With
special affection I greet the sick and all who have come to this holy
place to seek consolation and hope. May the Blessed Virgin enable you to
sense her presence and give comfort to your hearts. Kneeling here before
the Grotto of Massabielle I feel deeply that I have reached the goal of
my pilgrimage. This cave where Mary appeared is the heart of Lourdes.” When Cardinal Wojtyla became pope, young people
observed his enthusiasm for youth and accordingly chanted “John Paul II
we love you” and he responded, “Woo, hoo, hoo, He loves you.” And added…
“My most memorable experience was the discovery of the fundamental
importance of youth. What is youth? It is not only a period of life that
corresponds to a certain number of years, it is also a time given by
Providence to every person and given to him as a responsibility. During
that time he searches like the young man in the gospel, for answers to
basic questions, he searches not only for the meaning of life but also
for a concrete way to go about living his life. This is the most
fundamental characteristic of youth. In life, youth is when we come to
know ourselves. It is also a time of communion. Young people, whether
boys or girls, know that they must live for and with others, they know
that their life has meaning to the extent that it becomes a free gift
for others. We need the enthusiasm of the young. We need their joie de
vivre. In it is reflected something of the original joy God had in
creating Man. The young experience the same joy within themselves. This
joy is the same everywhere, but it is also ever new and original. The
young know how to express this joy in their own special way. I would
like to sum up by stressing that the young are searching for God, they
are searching for the meaning of life, they are searching for definitive
answers. (Luke 10.25). What must I do to inherit eternal life? In this
search, they cannot help but encounter the Church. And the Church also
cannot help but encounter the young. The only necessity is that the
Church has a profound understanding of what it means to be young, of the
importance that youth has for every person. It is also necessary that
the young know the Church, that they perceive Christ in the Church.
Christ who walks through other centuries alongside each generation,
alongside every person as a friend. An important day in a young person’s
life is the day on which he becomes convinced that this is the only
friend who will not disappoint, on whom he can always count.” Claire-Louise Recent Events
Easter, 2005 Hello everyone! I'd like to wish you all a Happy and Blessed Easter. In my search to find a meaningful reflection of
Lourdes, especially at this Holy time, I came across an article called
“A Visit to Lourdes", by Rev. Mgr. Kevin Wallin, and I thought I would
share part of it with you…
In February we held our sponsored walk. Many new
youth members joined us this year. The weather was glorious, the talk
animated and we all gained a great sense of togetherness. I would like
to thank Fr. Clancy and the ladies at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Mumbles,
who provided us with tea and cakes on our arrival. They too had provided
a cake sale, which boosted our fund-raising. Again many thanks!!
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A highly successful fund raising event in support of Youth for Lourdes
was held recently in Carmarthen. Organised by John Biggs it featured ‘Saxpax’,
a local jazz group. Photos:
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