Marcello Palazzo
Volunteering in Lourdes was one of the most rewarding things I have done. Before starting my week there, I, and I am sure other first-timers, was somewhat nervous about what exactly we would be doing as volunteers. For example, would we be helping the Hospital Pilgrims (HPs) with eating? Helping get them ready for bed? Accompanying them to the Basilica and Grotto? I soon learnt that all of these things would be expected of us, and indeed much more. But it was by no means a spiritually draining experience; quite the opposite, it was incredibly fulfilling, and put life in a completely different context to that which most Etonians, including me, had ever experienced before.
You quickly realise how much we mean to the HPs, and how they literally love us because of the work we do for them. It is a week of selflessness, reflection, and community throughout, for both the volunteers and the HPs. It is no wonder that long-lasting friendships continue after the pilgrimage. All barriers are broken from the word ‘Go’, and there is no time to feel awkward or cautious. You are thrown in at the deep-end right at the start, and the words of recommendation that keep getting passed around before the week starts are ‘get stuck in’. It is so important to do this, and also to bear in mind that the HPs are often equally, if not more nervous than you.
The week is not a chore. It is not useful to patronize or feel pity for the pilgrims, as they are people just as us, and react and think just as we do, despite any confusion you may have going in to the week. For so many of them, it is only their disease which prevents them from doing things actively, but despite this, their minds are so alive, and yearning to communicate – and so often, they succeed. It is incredibly inspiring to witness, and to help contribute to the dignity of these people who depend so much on us. You also realise, how they do not allow themselves to be defeated by their disease. They live just like us, with families, girlfriends, boyfriends, crushes or whatever it may be that makes them happy.
The HPs are such an interesting bunch, with completely unique personalities that are expressed through their laughter and tears throughout the week. They have such a passion for life and living, and are so patient with you, especially if you are new – although if you happen to be helping put Pxxx (one of the HPs) to bed, don’t take hours longer than necessary or he’ll describe you as ‘Fred Karno’s Army’!
It will without a doubt be the most sleep-deprived week of your life. If you think Eton is busy – think again. Early morning starts can be as early as 5.40am, and bed can be as late as 2.00am. Late nights are usually because of evenings in the Bronx (the bar) where all the volunteers congregate and socialise, which may seem a trivial thing to only get four hours sleep on, but it is in itself a hugely important part of the week, as you make friends instantly, and get to know each other.
If you are part of the choir, as I was, you play a very important role in each Mass, and in events during the week. It provides a calming backdrop to an otherwise intense week whether you are part of it or not, and it is very important to the HPs, especially in the service where the Holy Spirit is called down. This particular service is in some ways the culmination of Lourdes, as it is at the end of the week, and many a tear is shed.
During the week, we took part in various Processions which included visiting the crypt of the Basilica and the Grotto, and in the evenings we had a short service of evening prayers near the Grotto, taken by one of the Priests. The service is a great moment to unwind, and have some time to yourself and reflect on your own thoughts before returning to the bar for a continuation of serious, but deserved, liver-kicking.
All in all, it is a week you will never forget and will ideally repeat the year after, as I fully intend to do myself. The rewards are numerous, from meeting amazing people, to making new long-lasting friends, to being able to really get down to earth, and return as a more emotionally aware, caring and generous human-being.
Lourdes 2016
Crispin Straker
For one week in the summer of 2016, I went with the OMV to the annual Catholic pilgrimage to Lourdes, with the help of the St Nicholas Society fund. This involves 200 helper pilgrims taking 50 disabled pilgrims to one of the most holy places in the world: the shrine of the Virgin Mary. The week is aptly split into three categories: the ‘work’ side, the ‘spiritual’ side, and the ‘social’ side. Before I went I had mixed feelings about the three parts of the pilgrimage, not knowing what to expect. However, I realised that all of the above were crucial in making it the most incredibly special week.
Firstly, the work side which involved looking after the guests: helping them get up and dressed in the mornings, feeding them, going out shopping – anything they’d like you to do. Even just the simple act of talking to these amazing people (hearing their stories, sharing a laugh) provided enjoyment for both parties and enlightenment on the important topic of disability.
Secondly, the week’s religious aspect was fantastic: the spiritual atmosphere of the place was tangible, even though it was not a particular expectation for me beforehand. The Grotto, the most holy location in Lourdes, is an incredible place; looking magic in candlelit conditions at night-time, our Night Prayers were some my favourite moments. The processions were special as well because you could appreciate the presence of the whole group together.
Finally, the social side of the pilgrimage was brilliant: with 150 helpers aged 17-29 years old, there’s always going to be a super buzz. The feeling where everybody gets along so well generates enough energy that we all survived the week despite a lack of sleep. Going to ‘The Bronx’ (our local bar) is the perfect way to end a hectically busy day, and here I got to meet so many people who are united in our common cause of helping others.
I had the most amazing week in Lourdes, and thanks to the generosity of the St Nicholas Society grant it made it easier for my family to afford – especially with my two sisters and my brother paying the full price for the event. I thoroughly recommend it to whoever is outgoing, adventurous and willing to meet new people and partake in a host of new experiences.
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2016 Report
Misha Jones
My Lourdes pilgrimage effectively began at the induction and information day held at the Oratory school where all the first-time pilgrims had a chance to meet each other as well as the more senior members of the OMV who were running everything. During the induction day we were taught basic first aid and told what kind of work and timetable we should expect when we arrive in Lourdes.There was also a big emphasis on safeguarding and how we should think carefully about how to act when looking after the HPs (Helped Pilgrims) so that they have as much autonomy as possible. A months and a half later we were on the coach to France and 25 hours after leaving London we arrived in Lourdes and immediately had to relieve the pilgrims who had flown ahead and had already been working for most of the day. My first experience of working with the HPs was helping in the dining room at lunch time. It was a fairly simple start as it involved just chatting and getting to know some people which was good since everyone was very tired after their various journeys. I had to leave my first duty early as we had our first equipe meeting where we were properly introduced to our equipe leaders and the other people we would be working with over the next week. A lot of importance was placed on getting along and always making an effort to help anyone who looked like they needed it even if you happened not to be on duty. I found this mentality to be very effective throughout the week as it meant there was always someone on hand if I was unsure of what to do. One of the biggest challenges I faced during my time in Lourdes was the night duty which I volunteered for on the second night.The duty involved staying awake throughout the night to be on hand if any of the HPs should need along with five or six others and a couple of nurses. The night was relatively uneventful with only a few people waking up and needing turning but working for that long was challenging enough. However, I did not regret volunteering as spending so much time together with the HPs and the other helpers meant that I very quickly formed a strong bond with them all and it greatly benefited me for the rest of the week. Once I became more confident in my ability to look after others the week became a lot more enjoyable. During the week, activities ranged from going to Lac de Lourdes and swimming with some of the HPs to the large processions, held at the Basilica, which we led, and were all a lot of fun. All the services throughout the week were very nicely arranged with beautiful pieces from the choir and thought – provoking sermons from the priests and made for a very satisfactory week on pilgrimage in Lourdes.