Such a busy day today. The opening mass for the Dublin Pilgrimage took place at the Massabielle Grotto today and Aideen and Claire led the way proudly bearing the Dublin pilgrimage flags, while Roisin, Laura and Niamh cleared a path for all 2,000 Dublin pilgrims! Archbishop Diarmuid Martin celebrated the Mass which was in the open air. And just so as we felt at home, it rained. After Mass we processed through the Gate of Mercy and continued to the steps of the Basilica for the pilgrimage photo.
In between our duties we were able to visit the sick pilgrims on the wards and even bring some of them up town to buy some souvenirs. We love chatting to the pilgrims and listening to their stories. After lunch the Eucharistic Procession took place with much ceremony. Again we led the way as we walked with Jesus to the underground basilica. All of Lourdes came to a stand still while we processed through the grounds.
We headed back to the hotel for dinner and then practiced our party piece for Prairie that night. The theme of the night was mercy. As mercy involves showing compassion towards others we decided to sing ‘Lean On Me’ with Aideen acompanying us on the flute. Once Prairie was over we got some down time with the other blue shirts as there was a table quiz in one of the local hotels. Sadly none of us were on a winning team but we made loads of friends from all the different schools. Quiz question… Name the 3 droids in Star Trek episode VII?!
Thinking of you all and we’ll be lighting candles for you today.
Aideen, Niamh, Laura, Roisin, Claire and Ms O’Reilly.
