Page 31 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION

EVENTS

THE LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
FRIDAY 19TH – FRIDAY 26TH JULY 2019

A record number of Old Ratcliffi ans attended this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes’ Hosanna
House as part of HCPT Group 512, led by Ratcliffe parent and governor Teresa Gamble.
Two outgoing Year 13 students, Mollie Page (19) and Jenna Pole (19), also joined the
group for this spiritual and worthwhile trip, where the volunteers provided help and
support to those less able than themselves.
The ORs who attended this year were Alex Beason (15), Harry Brooks (18), Danni
Fairbrother (02), Richard Gamble (64), Tim Gamble (62), Katie Gerighty (11), Fr Anthony
Meredith (57), Tom Mulligan (11), Ines Munoz Torre (18), Emily Newberry (18), Fr Philip
Sainter (69), Peter Tetlow (78), Charlotte Warburton (18) and Matthew Ward (18). The
group was also joined by Bishop John Arnold (71), who visited Hosanna House for lunch
and to take part in the annual group photograph (below). The following are some of the
ORs’ accounts of the pilgrimage:
Katie Gerighty: “Lourdes is always a special week that I look forward to in the year. I love
to see all of the returning faces, as well as welcoming and introducing new people to the
unique experience. This year was no different, and my highlights included going up to
the mountains in Gavarnie, spending quiet refl ection time in the Domain, and the view
from Hosanna House. I would encourage anyone to come to Lourdes for the week – the
spirit and the people you meet are things that will never leave you.”

Alex Beason: “This was my second trip to Lourdes with the group, and this time, I cared for a girl called Laura, who has autism. As the
week went on, it was lovely to see her coming out of her shell and being more socially involved, as I felt she trusted me as a carer. Climbing
up to the waterfalls in Gavarnie, the Torchlight Procession, Mass in the Underground Basilica, and being washed in the Baths were all
unique experiences to Lourdes that have reinforced my faith. I am very grateful to have made this trip, and I look forward to returning. I
would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone – old or young, Catholic or not.”
Charlotte Warburton: “The number of ORs that keep coming back to Lourdes sums it up. It’s a busy, worthwhile and brilliant week, spent
with not just people, but family. Thank you so much for the opportunity to come and for organising another year. I had such an amazing
time (as usual), and I hope to be back soon.”
Peter Tetlow: “I particularly enjoyed being part of the Lourdes Marian (Torchlight) Procession and the International Mass in the Basilica of
St Pius X. We were all pleased to fi nd that this Mass was led in English by the Rt Rev Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury. Both spectacles
were very special and gave a great feeling of the universality of the Church in the international sphere.”
Fr Anthony Meredith: “Each year, our Ratcliffi an and Rosminian pilgrimage goes from strength to strength. We have a strong and
dedicated group, which is greatly thanks to the excellent all-year-round work and leadership of Teresa and Richard Gamble. We are also
blessed to have current Ratcliffe students with us who add to the wonderful experience of the pilgrimage. We have a full quota every
year. Well done all.”

The Old Ratcliffi an 2019 31