A ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience’ for the Students of St Louis!

On Wednesday 16 October 2024, the Religious Studies Department accompanied a group of Sixth Form students to St Mary’s Chapel, Belfast to venerate the relic of St Bernadette of Lourdes, as part of its very first journey of pilgrimage to Ireland. The relic of St Bernadette will, during its nationwide tour, visit every diocese in Ireland.

This ‘once-in- a-lifetime’ experience was made even more extraordinary and memorable for our students, as they were humbled and honoured to be invited by Fr Tim Barlett P.P. of St Mary’s Parish, Belfast, to lead the 11:00 am ‘Hourly Liturgy of Water Gesture, Rosary and Litany’ as part of the planned programme to venerate the relics in the chapel on Wednesday.

The student delegation included AS and A2 Religious Studies students; members of the Sixth Form Liturgy Team; members of the Sixth Form Chamber Choir; and Sixth Form students who expressed a desire to attend.

This very special and extra-ordinary experience provided our Sixth Form cohort with an opportunity to experience the special gifts and charism of Lourdes in their diocese. Students expressed the sense of privilege they felt by being able to attend and participate in the liturgy sharing what the experience meant to them as young Catholics today: ‘Visiting the relic of St Bernadette was a very special and peaceful experience. Being near something connected to such an important figure of faith was deeply touching. The atmosphere around the relic was calm and respectful, with people from all over coming to pay their respects. Seeing how much St Bernadette still means to so many, even after all these years, made me feel more connected to my own faith. The trip was a beautiful reminder of hope and the power of belief.’ Another student reflected that it was ‘a lovely and calming experience that was enjoyable too. We were all privileged to get to take part in the veneration of the relics; it was nice to hear about St Bernadette’s importance to both young people and those who are sick. It was an experience I’m very grateful for and won’t forget.’ One student observed: ‘Visiting the relics was a memorable experience as we all got to share the significance and importance of St Bernadette as a school together. Seeing how all groups and ages of people shared the same love and peace from the presence of St Bernadette’s relics was calming and reassured the importance of our Faith to carry us through day to day life.’