[this report written by Clive Swithinbank and Ciara Kempson, with Jack assisting]
Since the last report yesterday we have been very busy indeed.
Yesterday evening I (Clive) went to night prayer in the hotel Sante Rose which was very emotional with some speeches from the redshirts as well as a few of the leaders who had taken us along.
Last night quite a few of us went to different places to assist and pray with different hotel groups.
At the Mass of Anointing in the underground basilica...
This morning we got up very early and went to the underground basilica for the Mass of anointing. I (Clive) played my saxophone in the orchestra, which Anne Ward conducted. I (Ciara) sat with the rest of the Redshirts and played a part in the Red Carpet before Mass. The Mass of anointing was emotional. A lot of people cried because of how special it was. It was an unforgettable experience.
The purpose of the Mass of anointing is to administer the Sacrament of the Sick to members of the pilgrimage who could benefit from it.
We then went to the City of the Poor (a retreat spot near Lourdes). While there we had a chance to go to confession or to just talk to the priests (including Bishop Kieran) who were present with us. We also had a Ministry Session (catechesis) which many people really felt that they could relate to. We talked a lot in the session and in small groups about what people back home will think about our time in Lourdes and also about what parts of the Lourdes experience we will take back home with us.
At present the group are preparing for tomorrow’s talk.
The experience of being here in Lourdes is indescribable. Talking about it here really can’t do it justice. It is better than anything I had ever imagined.
 During the Mass |
 The leaders having a bit of a chinwag during the retreat day... |
 During the catechesis session |
 Lunch time |
