Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Stagiaires

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Stagiaires are volunteers from all over the world who go to Lourdes and work with the Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes. Waterford & Lismore Pilgrimage would have approximately 25 Stagiaires who independently travel to Lourdes, some as a group in June and others who travel at different times during the pilgrimage season. What is Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes ? The Sanctuary of Lourdes could not function and welcome the 5 million annual visitors without the active co-operation of the members of Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes. But really what is a member of Hospitality ? The French dictionary "Petit Robert" tell us that in the past a hospitality was an charitable organisation whose aim was to gather, accomodate and feed the less well off and the travellers in a hospice designed for this purpose. To-day, the Hospitalities still exist and carry on their charitable work. Throughout the world there are 200 hospitalities, called Acconmpanying Hospitalities made up of volunteer helpers who accompany the sick to Lourdes as a national or diocesan pilgrimage. Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Association founded in 1885 is unique for 2 reasons : 1•/ Its purpose • to welcome the pilgrims, especially, but not only, the sick and to help them throughout their pilgrimage, • to bring good order to important celebrations of the Sanctuary, • to pass on the Message of Lourdes. 2•/ Its international dimension Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes is completely international made up of 8,000 women and men, all lay people and volunteer helpers, coming from twenty countries throughout the world. One third of the members of Hospitality are French and one third Italian, 10-12 % are Spanish, 10-12 % are English and the remainder is made up of Irish, Belgians, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, America, Canada, and an assortment of Asian and African countries. The Hospitality is present throughout the pilgrimage season from April to November and they also provide people to welcome the pilgrims at the Baths during the winter. All people of good will are warmly invited to join and serve Our Lady and their fellow pilgrims. The work of a Stagiaire is very varied for both men and women. The ladies mostly work either in the Accueil Notre Dame or in the Baths. The work in the Accueil is varied and includes cleaning task and the preparation of meals etc. The work in the baths would be in the ladies section of the baths and this can be tiring depending on how many of the visitors are sick. The men's work includes loading and unloading the sick at both the Airport and the Train station. It also includes the marshalling of all the various ceremonies and processions and working in the male section of the baths.

This medal signifies many years of service to the Hospitality of Our Lady Of Lourdes.

The late Sean Rua Dunphy (Clonmel) a member of the Waterford Lourdes Pilgrimage 1972 - 2004 and also one of our Stagiaires

A group of Waterford Stagiaires who travel each year in June to work with our own Pilgrimage and also the Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes. L to R   Bill Power, Pat Hennessy, Nicky O'Brien, Sean Baldwin, Pat Kelly and Sean Houlihan.

Stagiaires unload a stretcher from a train in Lourdes

Tearing his hair out ? How can a plane just dissappear ?

How to Volunteer as a Stagiaire

If going on your first Stage, we would recommend travelling with our own group of Stagiaires who travel each year at the same time as our Annual Pilgrimage, except they may leave a week earlier or stay in Lourdes a week longer. This will ensure that you are not alone on your first visit and their knowledge will ensure you a trouble free stay. Contact : Pat Hennessy, 182 Viewmount Park, Dunmore Road, Waterford. Tel 051 876701,  086 3780048 If you wish to travel alone : Firstly contact either the Pilgrimage Director or the President of the Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for a letter of introduction. Then contact directly the Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes. This is considered volunteer work, with every volunteer paying for his/her own transportation, accomodation and food in order to offer their services voluntarily in the spirit of simplicity, attentiveness, obedience and humility. If you want more information you can contact: Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes Rosary Esplanade 65108 Lourdes Cedex - France Tel : 33 (0)5 62 42 80 80