There was an addition to the line-up of banners processed into our Closing Mass this morning as the huge pilgrimage candle appeared for the first time and was was borne into the liturgy by two Redcaps.
The Gospel was the story of the sending out of the seventy-two disciples and Bishop John Arnold, preaching, spoke of the mission of each of us to be one of these seventy-two. He pointed out that at the time of the sending out the disciples were not very learned in the teachings of Christ and that later events in the Gospel point clearly to their lack of understanding. This should encourage us to realise that we can fulfil out mission even when we don't think we have a great deal of bible knowledge or theological argument at our fingertips. We can still bring the good news to those around us in our schools, homes and workplaces.
Sadly we are saying goodbye to two members of our pilgrimage family this year. Neil Golding, after five years, is standing down as Chief Brancardier and Canon Pat Browne, though still hoping to lead his parish to Lourdes in the future, will no longer be the director of music. Bishop John thanked them for their dedicated work for the pilgrimage and presented them with statues as a mark of our appreciation. Neil received a statue of Saint Anthony and Canon Browne one of Saint Cecilia. Though we're very sad to see them go, we appreciate that nothing can remain the same for ever and we wish them well in their future endeavours.
Then came the final procession of our Jubilee year pilgrimage as we followed the Westminster banner once again, this time to the Grotto, where Bishop George Stack blessed our candle and lit it.
This afternoon a service of thanksgiving was held for the Redcaps which was led by Ian Farrington and Sonia Lueiro. It was a lively service in which several of the Redcaps gave their testimony. They spoke of what an amazing experience they found Lourdes to be, that it had deepened their faith and how satisfying they had found it to serve the sick. It was inspiring to hear young people speaking in this way and one can only hope and pray that as they take up their normal lives again they will defend the graces they have received through coming to Lourdes.
At the end of this service we experienced a half-goodbye. Bernard Lavery, who has been the youth director for the past five years, will relinquish this role in order to assume the mantle of Chief Brancardier from Neil Golding. We wish him well and assure him of our full support.
And then came Friday evening and, what do you know, it's party time again. Tonight it was the turn of the hospital to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. It was huge fun as malades, doctors, nurses and volunteers brought out their party pieces of poetry, song and dance that, at times, was completely hilarious. It was such a good time that it was a shame it had to end but, inevitably, Father Philip Miller led the gathering in a final prayer of thanksgiving for the graces received this week and for good journeys home before we all dispersed.
