Armagh Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2004
An Armagh Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes took place from the 16th-21st July. The Youth Pilgrimage was organised by a sub-group of the Armagh Diocesan Youth Council. The Youth Council launched its five year Operational Plan in November 2003. The Youth Council organise different youth initiatives within the Diocese of Armagh and the pilgrimage to Lourdes for young people is one such initiative.
Forty young people aged seventeen and upward made this first annual youth pilgrimage. The young pilgrims, along with their five leaders travelled from various parts of the Diocese extending from the Dundalk area in the south to Ballygawley in the north of the Diocese.

Background
Every Diocese and parish group who pilgrim to Lourdes annually have an allocated time slot. This allocated time cycle remains the same year after year. The Armagh Diocese has their fixed time in Lourdes in May. In years gone by young people from the Diocese joined with this pilgrimage. It became apparent, however, that due to the timing of the annual Diocesan pilgrimage in May, it did not suit the majority of young people because of examinations and other school commitments. To provide all those young people interested in visiting Lourdes with the opportunity to do so, the Youth Council sub-group looked at various ways of establishing an annual Youth Pilgrimage. An adult group from Dungannon and Coalisland have their pilgrimage to Lourdes in July each year. This was viewed as being the perfect time for a youth group to travel and so a group of pilgrims was formed and joined with the Dungannon and Coalisland group.

Programme in Lourdes
Although travelling with an adult group, the young pilgrims had their own unique programme of events while in Lourdes. Their timetable was especially tailored and eventful. Activities included: helping the sick, participating in the different liturgical services - in the form of reading, playing instruments and singing while also fulfilling the requirements of the pilgrimage.
There was a perfect blend between spiritual and social elements. There is no better place than Lourdes to socialise and meet lots of other young people.
The young pilgrims had a fantastic experience in Lourdes which was evident in their participation and enthusiasm at all the activities.

Highlights
When the young people were asked what the highlights of the pilgrimage were for them, they answered: working with the sick, meeting new people, making new friends and experiencing the grotto at night where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette - they found this very special.

Overall the pilgrimage to Lourdes was very successful. This was the first Armagh Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes to take place in July. It has provided the young people of the Diocese who attended, with many experiences and great memories which they will take them through their years ahead, together with the new friendships that were formed.