HCPT Blog 2 - Visiting the Grotto

Young members of Group 144

The natural environment of the Lourdes Grotto impresses first time visitors and those drawn back again and again. When our group paid our first visit this evening, all eyes focused first on the statue of Our Lady in the niche where she appeared in 1858. The tiers of candles lit up our faces as we told our children St Bernadette's story and three of our children led the hymn, 'Children of the Light.' We could hear the music of the Torchlight Procession nearby.

But then the rain started, soon turning to hail, and we quickly joined those sheltering in the Grotto itself. We had plenty of time to observe the spring which is the source of the healing water and the place where people leave their petitions from all over the world.

The Grotto radiates a sense of peace. We touched the stone that has been worn smooth by the kisses and caresses of millions visiting this place over the past 166 years. It was a time of silence and reflection and a time for thanking God for blessings over the past year. We prayed for better weather tomorrow.

It is hard to take in that this place is where humanity experienced direct human engagement with the divine. One can sense it, but exactly what it means for all of us will be explored during the week. For now, our children are most interested in the fact that Bernadette was the one chosen - a young girl, and a poor, uneducated child who suffered ill health. Tonight, they heard the story of her first meeting with Our Lady and seemed captivated by it.

HCPT is the biggest children's pilgrimage to Lourdes from the UK and attracts thousands of young helpers who are very visibly committed to ensuring their even younger charges have a wonderful faith experience. Hundreds of young people attended a special HCPT youth event in St Bernadette's Chapel this evening, where they were amused to see Scottish priests in kilts and learn a special dance of praise.

Young people and children are truly valued here, particularly those who are marginalised at home. When we take our group photo tomorrow all of us will be proudly in it. In Lourdes children with disabilities see other children like them - perhaps in wheelchairs, perhaps disfigured or blind. Children with social problems or children bullied at school are listened to in Lourdes and valued.

Back at our hotel, groups were rehearsing for regional Masses tomorrow.

LINKS

HCPT Facebook: www.facebook.com/HCPTpage/

HCPT Easter 2024: www.hcpt.org.uk/easter-2024

On the pages above you can watch the livestreams of the major HCPT events and of people passing through the Grotto.

At 9pm every night join on Facebook or YouTube for Prayers on the Stairs, an online version of the night prayers which pilgrimage groups hold in their hotels.

Also don't miss:

- Torchlight Procession |- 2nd April at 8pm UK time
- Trust Mass - 4th April at 9am UK time
- Blessed Sacrament Procession - 4th April at 4pm UK time