Lourdes Prilgrimage 2008

Twenty-one pupils from St Wilfrid’s joined nearly 400 other year 10 and 12 students, from across the Diocese of Leeds, for this year’s Lourdes Pilgrimage. The shrine at Lourdes was celebrating 150 years since the Our Blessed Mother first appeared to St Bernadette. Lourdes was bursting with pilgrims from across the world. In amongst the crowd the youth section stood out as a vision in yellow!
Students were responsible for the care of sick and elderly pilgrims. They put aside their own concerns to serve the needs of others, pushing them from place to place in order that they may fully engage with all Lourdes has to offer. All pilgrims, young and old participated in the Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament processions, visited the baths and got involved with numerous Masses and liturgies.
A highlight of the pilgrimage was the Stations of the Cross. Students from St Wilfrid’s made up part of a choir who lead the pilgrimage through a musical adaptation of the last moments of Jesus’ life. The powerful witness of the young people left many of the congregation moved to tears.
The pilgrims, looked after by our students, found the help of our students invaluable, praising the care and friendship they received.

Easter Service

The Lenten message at the end of this term was a powerful and moving reflection on 'Kingship'. Jesus came into the world as 'King' manifested by the gifts of the Magi; the wise men on their visit to the newborn Jesus. Years later, the gifts were to be recognised as the gifts of kingship, of prophecy and of the death that Jesus was to succumb to. Jesus was a different type of King. The Jews were expecting a political king, coming to kick out the Romans from their land But Jesus was nothing like this. His 'Kingdom was not of this world'. When they realised this, days later, the same crowds were shouting, ‘Crucify!’. The refection were read by Stephen Poston -Robinson and Lee Dawson.

The service continued to reflect on the great sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us. He offered himself to show his love for us, so that we could be a people of joy, knowing that we have the promise of eternal life. The journey to the cross began – with palms, coats laid on the ground, and ‘Hosannas’ filling the air. 9 Clitherow and Miss Midgley worked hard to prepare a short dramatic piece of welcoming Jesus, Alex Copley of Year 10, into the city of Jerusalem and their improvisation of the some of the miracles Jesus performed. This was followed by everyone singing 'We want to see Jesus lifted high' conducted by Rehan Sooltan in Year 11, with the Orchestra and the Junior Choir.

Mr O'Donnell, our Deacon, in his homily, talked about truth and the challenge to seek the truth despite those who refuse to accept it - that Jesus was asked how much he loved us and stretched out his arms on the cross and said "this much"! The service ended with a moving and thought-provoking song 'In my arms' by Steffi and Eve Bontoft accompanied by Matthew Archer on the piano, and the challenge to everyone: This Easter, make time for your families; make time for yourself but more importantly, make time for God by visiting Church and giving some thought to how important Jesus' death and resurrection means for all Christians.

Special thanks to the Liturgy Team, the Music Department, Mr Haddleton with Adam and Billy on sound and lighting respectively, the PE Department for the use of the Sport's Hall and the Facilities Supervisors for their support.


James Aitchison

Advent Carol Service

The end of term concert this Christmas was a wonderful joyous, Christian celebration held in the new sports hall. Gerry O'Donnell spoke about the meaning of Christmas and one student conducted the orchestra! The dancing and singing were uplifting, with a particularly good rendition of 'White Christmas' by Beth Rowett.

Easter Prayers

Lord, by the Easter mystery you touch our lives with the healing power of your love. You have given us the freedom and the promise of eternal life. May we celebrate your gift, and find joy in it forever in heaven. May each of us make your love known in all that we say and do. May we give to others the sense of hope that you give to us. Amen.

Risen Lord Jesus, the truth of your resurrection echoes throughout this Easter season. Help me, my family and friends to grow strong in faith and know your presence. Amen.