2007's Pilgrimage was a great week, and this year we are going to let the children tell you about it. These are some of the entries from the children's diaries. Click on the photos for that day's galleries.
Day 1
We had to get up really early to catch the flight to Lourdes which ended up being late. Later that day we had a vigil Mass where we were each given a candle, and at the end of the Mass a little Easter egg
Day 2
Today after lunch we went on a little road train and sang loads of different songs, then we caught a tram halfway up the mountain. We then walked up to the very top and had a photo taken, and when we came own we all got an ice cream as a treat from Miss McRoberts. At the night prayer I got a huge dog which I named Cuddles.
Day 3
"Me and Mum got up at 5:30AM and dressed, and got our bags ready. We said goodbye to my Brother and Dad, Aunt and Uncle, and journied to Stansted. We flew by plane (737) to Lourdes Airport, then took the Bus to Hotel le Europe where the group where having lunch. I met people for the first time by handshakes and hugs. We all went to Mass with two other groups, dinner, we had a PJ party, where I went around with the bubble machine."
"Today we went to have a look around the houses where Bernadette used to live. Also today Fr. David, Dorothea and Sam arrived. We had a pyjama party later with 716, and we had a great time playing games and singing loads of songs."
Day 4
"Woke up got dressed had breakfast, and as a group we went to the modern Stations of the Cross. Me and graham took pictures, and I took photos of all of the Stations of the Cross. Afterwards we went to lunch then to the replica of the sheepfold, where a woman told us the history of the place, had Mass and went home. I was chosen to hold the banner in the Candle Light procession......I was chatting with Natalie the other banner holder singing and dancing"
"Today we went and did the Stations of the Cross at the Grotto. Then we went and had a look around the HCPT shop for some badges for my hat, and I also got some snaphands as well."
Day 5
"....croissant for breakfast yum. Went on a coach to Gavarnie, a mountain range valley. It was a wonderfully sunny day and in the valley we had Mass with another group. Then afterwards while the group was having lunch, me and Graham went high up on the mountain to photograph all the groups. Then had lunch then played a game with a massive football and had a horse ride. It was a prima day but tiring coach back.....""Today we had to get up really early, to catch a catch to go to Gavarnie. We had a great time, and I got to ride on a horse, who was really stubborn and didn’t want to move, but eat the grass instead."
Day 6
"....croissant for breakfast again yum. I'm took the banner again, to the trust Mass at the Underground Basilica. We sang and danced and worshipped, with the Irish Jig music and dance. Afterwards I went around with the bubble machine sending bubbles all around my group. Had lunch, then a group photo outside the Chapel. It began to bucket down and we went to Café Terrase for Hot Chocolate. Dinner night prayer bed. Woke up by Mum to go to Grotto and Candles with group and light Thomas’ (my brother) Candle, really special for me."
"Today we went to a Trust Mass were all the HCPT groups were. Me and Jade and Christine went with Teresa and Sue to buy little gifts for our helpers, to say thank you, and we also wrote a little letter for them as well. We went into a little café and Sue and Teresa bought us an ice cream each which was yummy."
Day 7
"Went with 11 to the grotto, where Mass was held with groups from the IHPCT. We and a group Water Liturgy which was good. After splitting up into small groups, went back to Café Terrase for Hot Chocolate with mum and others. Then back to the hotel for lunch, a whole fish to eat. A group photo again after lunch with group 716 the youth group. I took some photos, and 716 were pleased with the photos. I went in the baths, it was very special. Souvenir shopping then back to the hotel, waiting for dinner."
"Today we went to the Grotto to have a Mass, then I went with Eleanor and Natalie to buy presents for my family. Later we had a water liturgy, and brought our candle down to the grotto and got a group photo taken. We had a Fancy Dress Party later, where I dressed up as Sleeping Beauty, and Jade was Bell."
Day 8
"Today we had to go back home, and I was a little sad that we had to leave, but I couldn’t wait to see everyone again."