Rebecca's Story

My name is Rebecca and I’m 19 years old. During the Easter of May 2002, I went to Lourdes with HCPT Wigan group 194. Our group leader was Sheila Toman.

At the time I was 16, and had been visiting Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley for six years. Catherine, a nurse who worked there had been invited to go along with HCPT to Lourdes as Group Nurse, and she told me all about it.

I had never been on holiday without my mum before so I was a little apprehensive at first, but I desperately wanted to go on the Pilgrimage and have the experience of being with new people and making new friends.

From the moment the helpers and the young people got together as a group, it was obvious that we would all get on and have a fabulous time – and that we did!

My main helpers were Caroline and Katie. When my mum met them she knew I was in safe hands, and that there was no need for me to feel nervous at all. Throughout the trip we had many laughs together and became really close which was great.

I shared a room with Sarah, who I had met a few times at Derian House. She was to become one of the best friends I’ve ever had, and I believe this was largely due to our experience together at Lourdes. It is hard to describe the emotions you have whilst you are on the Pilgrimage, especially when you know all the people around you have troubles in their lives and often are trying to find some kind of ‘inner peace’. I certainly found it. My time at Lourdes changed my outlook on life a lot. Although people may have difficulties, everyone in our group and all of the other groups were so happy, carefree and really enjoying themselves, it was fantastic.

Rebecca with Fr Richard and Sarah

All the guys in our group had tremendous personalities; some were loud (like Stevo) and some were funny (like Steeeve), but everyone was full of fun and had us laughing all the time – only when it was appropriate of course! Some of the guys even liked to dress up as women but I won’t mention any names (although it was just for a fancy dress party in the Versailles Cafe).

The uncle of our group was Father Richard Atherton. He was one of the most lovely men I’d ever met, so gentle and caring. He carried out many of our masses including that when we visited the City of the Poor in a tiny stone church. It was a very emotional day and interesting to hear about the history of the place.

The Big Trust Mass and the Blessed Sacrament where held at the Underground Basilica, as they are every year. This was a great time for all the groups to come together, meet everyone and join in singing and praying. Some of us even said a few words in front of the crowds! It was nerve-racking at first but exciting and I enjoyed it.

During the day we spent a lot of time on the Prairie, listening to music, playing games and just getting to know everyone better. When the weather permitted we did a bit of sunbathing too! At night we often went to the Grotto. I loved going there. It’s very peaceful and gave me time to reflect on the day. There was a beautiful view from over the bridge so it was nice to sit there and watch the people walking by.

The torchlight procession was by far my favourite part of the Pilgrimage. Thousands upon thousands of people from all over the world, were walking together in front of the cathedral each holding a candle. At the end of the procession a large group candle was placed amongst all the others with notes of thoughts and prayers attached to it. We all stood in a circle holding hands and some people shared their thoughts with the rest of the group. Again, it was an extremely emotional and overwhelming experience for everyone, and I thought it was beautiful.

I’d give anything to live that week over again; exactly how it was with the same people, at the same time, in the same places. I truly believe I could not have learnt more from the experience than I did that year, whilst having such a wonderful and certainly unforgettable time.