My Lourdes Pilgrimage

A few weeks ago, I went on one of the most amazing trips of my life — a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France. It’s right by the Pyrenees Mountains, and I was there for a whole week. I didn’t know a single person when I signed up. I just went for it, and honestly, it was life-changing.

I’d heard about Lourdes from my geography teacher, Mr. Kerr, who helps run the trip, and from my mum, who used to go when she was younger. I can’t really explain why I decided to go, but I’m so glad I did. If anyone ever gets the chance to go on a pilgrimage, my advice is: just say yes! You won’t regret it.

The journey was so long — about 26 hours in total. We went by coach, then ferry, then coach again all the way down to the bottom of France. It sounds awful, but it was actually fun. We watched loads of films, played quizzes, and sang songs together. It felt like the adventure started before we even got there.

When we arrived, I found out I was the only Anglican in a group full of Catholics. At first, I thought that might be a bit awkward, but it actually made the whole experience really special. There was this one hilarious moment when we were saying the Lord’s Prayer in the big cathedral (called the Domain). I accidentally carried on praying in the Anglican way after everyone else had stopped. My voice echoed around the whole place, and everyone burst out laughing. One of the leaders joked, 'Well, now we know who’s Anglican!' It was a bit embarrassing, but also kind of funny — and it reminded me that even though we all do things slightly differently, we still believe in the same God.

One of the best parts of Lourdes was the friends I made. I got to know people from all sorts of different backgrounds. Some of them had really tough family situations, and others were struggling with questions about faith and identity. I became especially close with a friend who was wondering if he could be both gay and Christian. Talking with him (and others in the group) made me realise how important it is to support each other and how God’s love is for everyone, no matter what.

I also had some really powerful moments with my own faith. I went to confession for the first time ever, which we don’t usually do in the Anglican Church. I was nervous, but the bishop was so kind and reminded me that God loves all people equally. Afterwards, when I was praying, two butterflies flew around me, and I felt like it was a little sign from my Nanny Jo in heaven. It was honestly so beautiful and comforting. The whole week was full of these incredible experiences — from hearing people’s emotional stories to singing in an international choir with thousands of others, and walking in candlelit processions at night. It all felt so moving and made me see my faith in a new way. Before Lourdes, going to church was more of a family thing for me, but now it feels personal and real.

The Lourdes Pilgrimage has honestly changed my life. I feel closer to God than ever, and I’ve made friends who I’ll never forget.

Rachel Browne