Members of North Clondalkin Choir
North Clondalkin Choir perform in Lourdes
A local choir performed recently in Lourdes, France.
North Clondalkin Community Choir gave two performances during their time in Lourdes last weekend.
“Our trip included two performances, one in the Church of the Poor Clares, the other in the main Basilica in Lourdes which towers over Lourdes,” said Noel J Collins, Musical Director.
The choir departed for Lourdes on Thursday, July 25 and returned last Sunday afternoon.
“A smaller contingent of our choir travelled, 20 members in total compared with 50 who travelled to Rome and Assisi last March,” said Noel.
“Our trip to Lourdes was the result of an invitation from Kieran Troy to provide music for pilgrims travelling from Raheen Parish, Tullamore. Kieran was our tour guide during our recent trip to Rome and Assisi and he was very much inspired by our choir, to such an extent that we were invited to Lourdes,” said Noel.
In total, 40 members travelled, 20 from Raheen Parish and 20 choir members.
People in the candlelit procession in Lourdes
“For some of our members, this was their first time to visit Lourdes,” said Noel.
“We participated in the Candlelit procession in Lourdes. The procession is a beautiful ritual which takes place every evening and lasts approximately one hour,” said Noel.
“Those in wheelchairs are brought to the front of the procession. Every pilgrim carried a candle with them which is raised high in the air when ‘Ave, Ave, Ave Maria’ is sung. A large statue of Our Lady is carefully carried at the front of the procession,” said Noel.
Lourdes has been a centre of pilgrimage since 1858, when a 14-year-old girl called Bernadette Soubirous reported apparitions of Our Lady. According to one such apparition, Our Lady instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground nearby from which a spring with healing properties emerged. Since then, pilgrims in their thousands travel to Lourdes every year to visit the shrine.
“Although our time was short in Lourdes, it is hoped that this experience will be felt for a long time to come. There is a real sense of peace and serenity from Lourdes,” added Noel.
