Five of our 6th year students had the privilege of travelling to Lourdes on pilgrimage with the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage. During their time, they generously gave themselves in service to the sick pilgrims, embracing every opportunity to help and support others. The experience provided a beautiful opportunity to live out the Mount Sackville ethos of Faith, Hope and Love through prayer, service, compassion and kindness. Their enthusiasm and dedication were a source of great pride for the school.
Each morning, the girls worked in hotel support, helping to bring pilgrims from their hotels to their various services and activities. In the afternoons and evenings, they undertook ward duty, spending time with pilgrims in their wards, helping wherever needed and organising fun quizzes and sing alongs. The girls particularly loved talking with the pilgrims, listening to their wonderful stories and learning about their experiences of Lourdes over the years. They also spent a lot of time in the Grotto of Massabielle, the sacred place where, in 1858, Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette Soubirous. Sitting at the Grotto, praying and reflecting on the story of St Bernadette, was a deeply moving experience and brought the faith at the heart of the pilgrimage to life for our students. The theme of the pilgrimage this year was “Hail Mary full of Grace”, a message the girls embraced throughout their time in Lourdes as they reflected on Mary’s faith, humility and willingness to serve others.
The pilgrimage was incredibly inspiring for the girls, and throughout their time they met many past Mount Sackville students who had returned to Lourdes year after year. It was wonderful to see how this experience has become such a meaningful and lasting part of the lives of so many former students.
We are very proud of our students and the way they represented Mount Sackville through their service, faith, compassion and care for others. Huge gratitude to Ms Megan Byrne who led and looked after the students on that spiritual journey. We hope that the experience of Lourdes will remain with them for many years to come.