Friday brought another sunny day in Lourdes.

The day began early with the youth reporting in for their first duty of the pilgrimage, with some youth starting a shift at the St Frai hospital to help the hospitalite team.

Our young people took our assisted pilgrims from the hospital and hotels along the path of Bernadette.

Elsewhere, the Lourdes Music group gathered for their first rehearsal ahead of the Mass of welcome.

The whole pilgrimage gathered together for the first time at Mass . In his homily: Archbishop John reflected on the important milestone we’re marking this year. He said: “Today is the 50th anniversary of the Youth Pilgrimage in 1976 led by Archbishop Derek Worlock and the first young people. Dear young people. today so prominent in your yellow shirts, I thank you for giving time and energy to travel with us all to this holy place. I remember my first visit when I was 20 as a helper on a Jumbulance. I found it very confusing, the shops, the shrines, the prayers, the busyness – so might you find it confusing, but many years later here I am again as your Archbishop. You will grow into it if you allow yourselves to be carried along by the spirit of prayer and generous service.”

Archbishop John’s homily concluded with him saying: “God’s annunciation to each one of us: today how will you say ‘Yes’ to God’s invitation.”

During Mass, young people had their hands blessed ahead of their work with the sick.

The full homily can be read here: Mass of Welcome | Pastoral Letter

In the evening, the youth took part in the torchlight procession- an event that is so special both visually and spiritually. Some youth pilgrims took on roles, such as leading the whole procession in praying the Hail Mary and carrying the statue of Our Lady. Despite the storm and heavy downpour that struck during the procession, everyone remained smiling in true Lourdes style!

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