After months of preparation and training meetings, Group 170 are back in Lourdes for our 2025 Pilgrimage.
We met our coach verrry early in Southampton when it was still dark! It took a while to load all of our luggage and for the little stars to say goodbye to their families and then we were off... It was still dark!
By the time we got to Stanstead airport it was light, but also raining. Although we had lots of luggage, it didn't seem to take too long to check in and going through security was very quick. Our flight was a bit delayed, so we played card games and flew paper aeroplanes until it was time to board. It was the first time on a plane for some of the little stars - it was very exciting!
The flight was smooth and we landed safely in Lourdes - and so did all our luggage! We had another coach ride to our hotel, where the lovely staff had late lunch ready for us.
After lunch we spent some time unpacking our suitcases and sorting out our rooms before heading outside. The sun was unexpectedly shining as we made our way to the Grotto - at last we felt we had properly arrived in Lourdes! We walked through the Grotto to touch the smooth rocks and feel the water running over some of them and then gathered together to listen to Fr PJ, who led us in prayers to say thank you for our safe arrival.
Then we went onto the meadow to sit in the sun and play games. Some of us played football and Zoomer, some of us went for a walkabout, and some of us chilled in the sun. Before we knew it, it was time to go back to the hotel where the little stars got ready for bed. We had our dinner, listened to a very funny bedtime story and said our bedtime prayers. Everyone was very tired and glad to get into bed.
We are looking forward to some more adventures tomorrow - after a good night's sleep! Good night, God bless.
