The Lourdes School Helper Group with Bishop Fintan Gavin and Lourdes Youth Leaders Fr. Marius O'Reilly and Sheila KelleherEighteen student helpers from three schools—St. Angela’s, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, and Skibbereen Community School—gathered recently to prepare for the Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes this September.
The day opened with an opportunity for the group to get to know one another and the Lourdes pilgrimage youth group leaders, Fr Marius O'Reilly and Sheila Kelleher.
Fr Marius led the group through the story of Lourdes and St. Bernadette. Sheila spoke on what it means to serve as a youth helper on the pilgrimage and what their involvement will mean.
A reflective sharing session followed, where students expressed their hopes and expectations for the journey ahead. The group was then led in the Examen prayer by Bishop Fintan, offering them a moment of quiet prayer and reflection.
The afternoon concluded with pizza and time to chat, building a sense of community before the group travel to Lourdes.
Fr. Marius O'Reilly spoke to the school helpers about the story of Lourdes and St. Bernadette