Courtney McGrailThe ‘extraordinary’ impact of Lourdes
David Corless
The great writer Oscar Wilde once said, “We can have in life but one great experience at best, and the secret of life is to reproduce that experience as often as possible.”
I rarely find it difficult to express myself or give my opinion on matters, but in the case of my pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust accompanied by a group of 13 other friends and fellow volunteers, I am stumped. The experience was so profound that it is difficult to verbalise it. It is something that must be experienced to appreciate it fully. However, I will try my best to put pen to paper and write about this unique, awe-inspiring experience.
Lourdes 2014 was without doubt the most rewarding, inspirational and life-changing experience of my life to date. I have to admit however that before I arrived in the holy town in the south of France, I was quite sceptical. I simply didn’t know what to expect. Was it going to be non-stop Mass all week? Would I get along with the people I would be working with? And above all, would I like it?
With these questions whirling in my head I boarded the flight from Dublin Airport with the added nerves of this being my first time on board an aircraft. As soon as the doors of the aeroplane opened in Biarritz, two hours later, we were welcomed by the continental air, instantly engulfing us in French life. A two hour car journey to Lourdes ensued where food lay waiting for us in Hosanna House, our base for the week. Any previous doubts I had were soon quashed due to the group’s warm hospitality and easy going nature.
Disability
During the course of the week I was working with adults with varying degrees of disability, both physical and intellectual. Admittedly, it was quite difficult to integrate fully with the group on day one as many of us volunteers were out of our comfort zones, but by day two and with each subsequent day the bond between us volunteers and the group increased and soared until we were like a single family unit, helping each other and learning about each individual person.
I am now of the opinion that having worked with these people I am a changed person and a better person. We went out to Lourdes that week to help them and to assist their carers, but they gave us far more than anything we could possibly have ever given them.
Their free-spirited, open nature allowed us to get to know each person individually and the love each one possesses knows no bounds. For example, each time we went to Hosanna House we were customarily met with hugs and embraces from all sides.
I have really learned an immense amount from these wonderful people. One could not meet happier people anywhere. Despite their disability, they are without question the most cheerful, content people you could meet. They are not dictated by the pressures of society and that is what is so beautiful about each of them, we see them as they truly are, as beautiful human beings, blossoming like flowers before our eyes.
The whole experience made me view the ‘ability’ instead of the ‘disability’. Of course, many of them have certain limitations, but their amazing gifts and talents outweigh these limitations. I, personally, will never forget them, for the amazing and profound experience they gave me.
To tell the truth, there are no words to describe the week with justice. It is undoubtedly an inner journey and one that should be experienced by all at some stage in life.
Celebration
Of course, since the week was in Lourdes, I also grew a great deal spiritually during the week. Daily celebration of Mass as well as frequent visits to the Baths, the Rosary Basilica, the Underground Basilica, the Church of St Bernadette and the Chapel of Reconciliation were all extremely worthwhile and meaningful experiences.
The candlelight procession was also an amazing sight to behold – seeing thousands of candles lit and held by their owners in the Rosary Square was truly breath-taking. However, nothing could surpass the beauty of the grotto, the place where the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette, a poor peasant girl, some 156 years ago. The peace and tranquillity one experiences at this sacred place is indescribable.
As I reflect on my week in Lourdes, it is quite extraordinary the sheer impact it has had on my life, quite an unexpected impact I may add. The one challenge that I have now is to practice at home what I learned in Lourdes and not let the experience become solely a joyous memory.
The week was tough and very intense, but you reap what you sow in terms of reward. A massive thank you is due to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, our group leader Fr Michael Murphy, my teachers in St Colman’s College, Claremorris, and everyone else who made this pilgrimage possible.
Lourdes 2014 was undoubtedly a week where friendships were strengthened and new ones formed and memories were made to last a lifetime.
I would like to conclude by urging everyone, young and old, to give this pilgrimage a go, even if you don’t think it would be for you. Believe me, I was one of those people, but the experience I just had was simply phenomenal. You’ll receive talents that you thought you never had and you really will be a transformed person.
David Corless (17) is a fifth year student in St Colman’s College, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.