Nearly 150 young people from Brentwood Catholic Youth Service began the long coach journey to Lourdes earlier this month to support sick and infirm pilgrims on the annual diocesan pilgrimage, led by Bishop Alan Williams.
“One of the most important parts of the BCYS Lourdes Pilgrimage is serving our assisted pilgrims,” said pilgrimages and events coordinator Gabby Skinner. “Throughout the week, our young people spend time accompanying the adults who have travelled to Lourdes, offering practical help, sharing conversations, pushing wheelchairs, and simply being a friendly face. Often it’s the smallest acts of kindness – a smile, a chat over a cup of coffee, or simply walking alongside someone – that make the biggest difference.”
Director of Youth Ministry Claire Bailey agrees. “Being in Lourdes is a reminder that our faith comes alive through service. As we give our time to others, we encounter Christ in the people we meet, learning that even the smallest act of love can make a lasting difference.”
More than 130 pilgrims travelled to Lourdes, alongside the young people and BCYS leaders. Pilgrimage Director Fr Matthew Bemand-Qureshi said: “We were also joined by a group of 16 boys from Loyola School together with parents who formed a Schola Cantorum for our diocesan Masses.”
Episcopal Vicar for Youth Ministry, Fr Damien Wade chronicled the pilgrimage on X. He said: “I pray that each young person encounters Christ in a new way this week and that this pilgrimage will be a time of faith, friendship and service. Mary’s message at Lourdes is still for us today: ‘Come, pray, trust, and let God heal your heart.’ You don’t have to be perfect to answer her call. Bring your doubts, your hopes, and your dreams. Grace begins with one small ‘yes’.”
After both coaches arrived safely, the group celebrated the Pilgrimage Opening Mass, and took part in a beautiful Water Service opposite the Grotto in the evening. “Here in Lourdes, we remember Mary’s invitation to St Bernadette to use the water from the spring as a sign of prayer, healing and trust in God,” said Fr Damien.
As the pilgrimage progressed, a Mass with the Anointing of the Sick incorporated prayers for everyone who is sick, suffering or in need of God’s healing. “It was a powerful reminder of God’s healing presence and the hope that Lourdes offers to so many,” he said.
“We also lit a candle for anyone carrying more than they can say out loud. May its light bring comfort to the weary, hope to the discouraged, peace to the anxious, and strength to those who need one more day to keep going. Know that you are remembered in prayer.”
For the young people present, it was not all service: there were interludes such as watching the World Cup, eating ice cream and crepes, a quiz night and a karaoke/fancy dress party at the conclusion of the pilgrimage. They also visited the beautiful mountains of Gavarnie for an afternoon together, returning to Lourdes in time for a Torchlight Procession.
Said Fr Damien: “Our young pilgrims stood in awe at the beauty of Gavarnie. Creation has a way of lifting our eyes beyond ourselves and reminding us that God is always speaking through the world He has made. That same wonder can become gratitude, faith and hope.”
One of the most beautiful and memorable moments of every pilgrimage to Lourdes is the evening Torchlight Procession, when the Sanctuary is illuminated by countless candles as the pilgrims pray and sing together, placing their prayers and intentions into the hands of Mary. Her statue is carried in procession by members of BCYS through the streets of Lourdes.
During the apparitions in 1858, Mary gave St Bernadette this instruction: ‘Go and tell the priests to build a chapel here and that people should come here in procession.’ More than 160 years later, pilgrims continue to respond to that invitation, walking in procession alongside people from around the world, of every age and language – a powerful sign of our universal Church united in prayer.
On Wednesday, the Diocesan pilgrims demonstrated this as they united in prayer with other pilgrimage groups. “We joined the Diocese of Westminster and the Welsh National Pilgrimage for Mass in the Grotto,” said Fr Matthew. “Archbishop Richard Moss presided and Bishop Alan preached.”
The next day Brentwood’s young people had the chance to ask questions about faith, life and the Church during a designated session with Bishop Alan. “One beautiful reminder from the Bishop was Mary’s place in our lives: she never points to herself, only to Jesus. Like a loving mother, she walks with us, prays for us, gently leads us,” said Fr Damien.
The BCYS-led Mass which followed felt particularly special this year, said Gabby. “Alongside our wonderful young musicians, singers, readers, altar servers, those who took up the offertory collection, and everyone who processed with our diocesan banners, we were able to celebrate just how the BCYS continues to shape lives and nurture vocations. The Gospel was proclaimed by the Diocese’s newest deacon, Jonathan Burden; the homily was preached by Fr Joseph, who first travelled to Lourdes with the BCYS 20 years ago as a young person; and, at the end of Mass, Bishop Alan gave a special blessing to Tom and Tash, who first met through the BCYS in Lourdes seven years ago and are now preparing to be married later this summer. What a beautiful reminder of everything the BCYS is about: faith, friendship, service, vocation and a community that continues to accompany and celebrate young people through every stage of life.”
Director of Youth Ministry Claire Bailey, who has been to Lourdes 25 times over 30 years, said the pilgrimage was indeed a blessed week. “Seeing all of our group work so hard in to order to serve others filled me with pride: the care they showed the pilgrims, the laughter with each other and the growth in confidence. They are amazing and I felt quite emotional more than once. We are so proud of everyone who helped lead this wonderful celebration and grateful for the opportunity to share the gifts of our young people with pilgrims from across the Diocese and beyond.”
She paid tribute to her co-leads, Gabby and BCYS chaplain Fr Michael Barwick, for their support and friendship. “As our pilgrimage draws to a close, we thank everyone who has kept us in their prayers this week. We pray that the faith, friendships and memories made in Lourdes will continue to inspire our young people long after they return home.”
Pictures courtesy of Fr Damien, BCYS and Erin McCarthy
Erin's images
