A group of students from Saint Paul’s took part in a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje.
Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina is an inspirational place of pilgrimage where the message of universal love shines through the local people. The students left feeling uplifted and encouraged by the message of peace and hope that pervades in Medjugorje.
The students took part in a number of Mass’, services and spiritual events including walking up Apparition Hill, holding a Candle Light Vigil and attending Adoration at St James’ church.
The students also enjoyed a visit to the City of Mostar and Karvice Waterfalls.
Father Owen Gallagher who accompanied the group, said: “I cannot laud your students enough. They were an amazing part of the pilgrimage and helped the other pilgrims to find grace and solace. They were of the highest impeccable manners and a truest reflection of the standards and mission of Saint Paul’s Catholic High School.
You, as a school and their families should be very very proud of those ten young people. There has even been commendation from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (to name but a few) for how they read at the international English Mass (where 3,000 took part physically and another 4,000 watched live online).
My hope and my prayer is that this pilgrimage has allowed them to grow even further into the person that they have been created to be by the Lord. And when I think of each of them I am reminded of an old Irish saying, ‘Mo/ an 6ige agus tiocfaidh sf'(Praise/ foster youth and she will grow great).”
Mr Fannon, Deputy Headteacher who accompanied the trip, explained: “In June 1981, the Virgin Mary appeared as a vision to several schoolchildren in Medjugorje, since then, Catholics worldwide have made the pilgrimage to the site for its unique atmosphere of prayer and serenity as well as miraculous happenings.
Everyone in the group returned home, after this journey into grace and peace, a little bit changed for the better and would recommend to all. The students were incredible ambassadors for the school and were a credit to Saint Paul’s.”
“The pilgrimage was a fantastic opportunity for the students to join international visitors from all around the world in Medjugorje,” commented Mr Whiteside, Headteacher. “In a place with such a wonderful peaceful atmosphere they were able to gain some extremely valuable experiences, engage in meaningful conversations and absorb the devotion and faith found in Medjugorje.”