Page 80 - The Gonzaga Record 1990
P. 80
LOURDES 1989
As the coach moved slowly through the congested streets of Lourdes at
10 p.m. on Monday, 7 September 1989, Lourdes, to me, seemed no more
than an artificial wonderland of Marys and Bernadettes, medallions and
candles, all turning the little town beside the spring into a profit-making
gimmick.
However, once inside the Domaine - the centre of Lourdes, holding
the Grotto, three Basilicas, the Baths and the 'Accueil; the artificiality
is left outside. The Accueil (Welcome), is the hospice for invalids of all
nations and it was there, at six o'clock the next morning, with little sleep
and no breakfast, that we began our first day as 'Brancardiers'.
The work of a Brancardier (stretcher-bearer) is simply to help the
invalids in whatever way possible. Much of our time was therefore spent
preparing them for their many daily excursions; helping them wash, dress,
shave; lifting them from wheelchairs to beds, from 'chaises' to 'voitures'
(similar to three-wheeled rickshaws), in which we pulled them to the
various services, masses and processions. These were punctuated by the
occasional shopping trip or visit to the Baths, where the more fortunate
of us had the privilege of working.
All this was, of course, very tiring work and the few hours of relaxation
and sleep between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., were much needed and enjoyed.
However, for me and for all of us , the manual work involved was of
minor importance. Far more important were the hours spent talking to
the invalids who, despite severe disabilities, had a sincerity, hope and
faith previously unencountered by many boys in Gonzaga 6th Year. For
most of the group, this was our first real contact with people for whom
living was a constant struggle. Through our relationships with them and
exposure to the faith visible in a 20,000 strong torchlight procession, a
line of crutches discarded at the Grotto, or the renewed spirit of those
leaving the Baths, we were all affected in some way by our trip to Lourdes
and hope to return in the years to come. We were the fourth Gonzaga
Group to go to Lourdes as part of the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage, and
our leader was Fr John Dun ne SJ.
Stephen Kearns (S.6A)
78
As the coach moved slowly through the congested streets of Lourdes at
10 p.m. on Monday, 7 September 1989, Lourdes, to me, seemed no more
than an artificial wonderland of Marys and Bernadettes, medallions and
candles, all turning the little town beside the spring into a profit-making
gimmick.
However, once inside the Domaine - the centre of Lourdes, holding
the Grotto, three Basilicas, the Baths and the 'Accueil; the artificiality
is left outside. The Accueil (Welcome), is the hospice for invalids of all
nations and it was there, at six o'clock the next morning, with little sleep
and no breakfast, that we began our first day as 'Brancardiers'.
The work of a Brancardier (stretcher-bearer) is simply to help the
invalids in whatever way possible. Much of our time was therefore spent
preparing them for their many daily excursions; helping them wash, dress,
shave; lifting them from wheelchairs to beds, from 'chaises' to 'voitures'
(similar to three-wheeled rickshaws), in which we pulled them to the
various services, masses and processions. These were punctuated by the
occasional shopping trip or visit to the Baths, where the more fortunate
of us had the privilege of working.
All this was, of course, very tiring work and the few hours of relaxation
and sleep between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., were much needed and enjoyed.
However, for me and for all of us , the manual work involved was of
minor importance. Far more important were the hours spent talking to
the invalids who, despite severe disabilities, had a sincerity, hope and
faith previously unencountered by many boys in Gonzaga 6th Year. For
most of the group, this was our first real contact with people for whom
living was a constant struggle. Through our relationships with them and
exposure to the faith visible in a 20,000 strong torchlight procession, a
line of crutches discarded at the Grotto, or the renewed spirit of those
leaving the Baths, we were all affected in some way by our trip to Lourdes
and hope to return in the years to come. We were the fourth Gonzaga
Group to go to Lourdes as part of the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage, and
our leader was Fr John Dun ne SJ.
Stephen Kearns (S.6A)
78
