St Margaret Ward students inspired in Lourdes

Over the May Half term, 10 students from St Margaret Ward, alongside staff, went on Pilgrimage to Lourdes. They spent the week serving sick and disabled pilgrims in the Accueil, taking part in Mass and various services, as well as exploring the town of Lourdes and learning more about the apparitions and the story of St Bernadette.

Below is a selection of pictures and testimonies from some of our students, sharing their personal experiences of Lourdes. They had an amazing time, and did some magnificent work serving others. We are also very grateful to the many people who sponsored and donated towards the pilgrimage to help support students going.

One thing I’m certain of is that I will remember this wonderful experience for years to come; due to the way in which it has strengthened my relationships with both my friends and with God. One of my favourite parts was exploring the Sanctuary and the Rosary Basilica for the first time and as an art student, I found the architecture truly breath-taking. Moreover, just the feeling of being surrounded by so many people sharing the same faith and wonder as I did, was nothing short of incredible.

-          Paige

Lourdes was an experience of a lifetime. From the start of the journey to the end, it was a total adventure. I especially enjoyed being able to walk around during our free time, which gave us the chance to not only buy gifts and souvenirs, but also to meet and chat with people from other schools. My only issue is that the trip should last two weeks instead of just one—by the time you settle in and get used to everything, you’re already packing to go home!

-          Michael

My time in Lourdes was an unforgettable experience, made possible by the kindness of those who supported our fundraising. Almost every day, I carried banners for Mass and different processions, including the Torchlight Procession, which was truly special. I learned many life lessons from the APs and received valuable advice that I will carry with me. One of the most incredible moments was visiting the Grotto. Outside, the sun was blazing, but as soon as I stepped inside, I felt an instant wave of coolness, like opening a fridge. It brought me a deep sense of peace, and I truly felt something beyond words.

Working in the Accueil was another meaningful part of my journey. I had some really nice shifts where I helped with various tasks—pushing wheelchairs to and from different places, serving meals, chatting with the APs, cleaning their rooms, and loading and unloading their luggage. What surprised me most was when one of the APs gave us a tour of the place. I had expected that we would simply take care of them, but seeing them share something with us in return was incredibly moving. I was on the verge of tears, overwhelmed with happiness.

I was also blessed to take photos with the Archbishop and two bishops, and carrying the Vatican flag on the first day was an honour I’ll never forget. Another powerful experience was the International Mass, which lasted almost two hours. It was long, but it was truly special to take part in a celebration that brought together so many people from different places, united in faith.

My team, with two teachers, was amazing—each person was unique, funny, and made the journey even more joyful. The week passed in the blink of an eye, and I wished I could have stayed for a month. Finally, I want to sincerely thank everyone who helped us through the bursary—without your generosity, this trip wouldn’t have been possible. Because of this experience, I have decided to volunteer or work in Lourdes for a year after university, continuing this journey of faith and friendship. I made so many wonderful friends across the Birmingham Diocese, and I know these bonds will last a lifetime. Lourdes taught me that miracles are not just grand moments but can be found in the smallest things—the kindness of people, the peace in a sacred place, and the love that connects us all.

- Mariya

Lourdes overall has been an amazing experience which I am very grateful for. Together as a community we learned the value of hard work, resilience and the reward of peace that we felt as we spent time in Mass, by the river and even just in our own small cohorts. Not only was Lourdes an entertaining and fulfilling experience with peers and teachers, but it was also an eye-opening week; my skills of empathy and working around others’ needs was enhanced even though it was proven to be difficult. I LOVED IT! Take me back!

-          Dewmi

Lourdes to me was a spiritual trip where it helped me to reflect and focus on things I didn’t think much about due to my being elsewhere and focussing on stuff such as exams.

During my time at Lourdes, I was able to meet new people from different schools such as people from BGN, Our Lady & St Chads, St Francis of Assisi, St Joseph’s and more, and I was able to boost my confidence in talking to new people, expressing similar interest as well as having fun in general. Each day of the week, we were put onto shifts in the Accueil where we helped sick pilgrims with either taking them to and from Mass, helping serve their food and cleaning their rooms (me and Dewmi were considered the ‘dream team’ during cleaning). It was nice to get to know everyone and help people.

During our free time, we were able to visit many parts of Lourdes such as the Grotto where you can touch the stone, the Sanctuary, Rosary Square, the shops (the crepes there were really nice, highly recommended), the place where St Bernadette grew up and lived, and more. We also had a chance to go to Gavarnie to see the mountains, and the view was so nice. Each day was so fun, watching the sunset with friends, taking memorable pictures with each other, doing different activities such as holding the banner or night prayer, and each event places for us was so fun especially the torchlight procession (the view was amazing from the top).

The Masses each day was enjoyable as well, I personally enjoyed singing the hymns. The hotel that I stayed in was so nice, they had a piano where I could play some pieces on, the view I got from my window was amazing, the food served there was so good, and I got to eat new things. Overall, Lourdes was just an amazing opportunity to go and experience and I would love to go again someday. We wouldn’t have been able to go without the mass amount of organisation by our team leader Mr Corrigan, the fundraising we have done and the donations received. It’s amazing there and I highly recommend going, I would love to go back.

- Yoyo