I started this in chat, but can anyone on here tell me anything

[2shoesdrippingwithblood]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/624067-please-come-and-tell-me-about-lourdes

I am trying to get a picture of what kind of expierence it will be for dd

[silverfrog]

I've been, twice 9in fact, I met my dh there )

what, in particular do you want to know?

[amber32002]

There was a recent thread about praying for children that are ill - in the religion and spirituality bit with some very good thoughts on this too. I guess parents need to explain that sometimes 'healing' is about peace in our hearts, coming to terms with things, getting more help unexpectedly - not "the big cure", and that no, it's nothing to do with how hard they pray at all so no way is it their fault?

[2shoesdrippingwithblood]

good advice. i will check that the nurses won't be pushing the "cure" stuff.
but I think it would be good for her. just to be somewhere where she can push in the que and not be the "only" in the wheelchair.

silverfrog is it a very religios thing. I am not sure dd gets god.

[silverfrog]

who is your dd going with?as a group, I mean - are they very religious?

I am a Catholic, but am not practising. dh is a bit more religious than me, but neither of us get to church more than 4/5 times a year, i would guess.

we went with a group of friends (they organise a visit every year, we are hoping to go again next year). the town is, obviously, a religious town, and there is quite often a service being broadcast over speakers, etc (or maybe that's the times we have been in the past - we go on the military weekend - great fun, lots to drink, lots of men in uniform ), but a lot of the experience will depend on who she is going with.

Our group, for eg, have a quick service each day (20 mins, max) and the rest of the time is spent soaking up some sun, running around town trying to find the tackiest souvenir for the competition (I won one year, with a replica of Bernadette's vision set in perspex - already sounding great, i know, but add in garish colours (natch), and the last flourish - the whole thing is in the shape of a teapot?! Still sits on my desk now!)

The town is nice, everybody is helpful, as the majority of people are there for similar reasons, so there is always an extra pair of hands to help out, if necessary, with wheelchairs etc (and I would say it will be necessary - it is very hilly!). The surrounding countryside is beautiful too, if they get day trip organised etc.

I have never felt as thought the religion is pushed in your face at all - there is a church-y type feel, but kind of like a Christmas/Easter/major family celebration service rather than an ultra serious feel.

We are hoping to take dd1 next year - not for any miracle cure, but it is because of there that she is here, iyswim, sncedh & I met there (the friend who organises our group tour is also her godmother, so will be a real family feel).

Everyone is totally accepting of just about anything. I would not recommend taking the waters - my uncle has done the swim in the holy waters, and he says it's not a great experience, but I supose that depends on how much you want to/need to.

Can't think of anything else rigt now, but if you have any questions, do ask.

[countingto10]

MY DS went to Lourdes with the HCPT (?) organisation. They take a couple of children from his school every year. He has ASD (high functioning) and it was his choice to go.

He had a fantastic time - I don't think it was overly religious. Lots of fun and games.

When my DH picked him at the airport he actually said he was the most animated he ever seen him. I remember how amazed DH was. I would point out that this profound effect did not last but it was obviously a very good experience.

[2shoesdrippingwithblood]

countingto10 that is the charity. did you have to pay much?

[2shoesdrippingwithblood]

omg. now I know what dd will bring back for me lol

[silverfrog]

souvenirs-wise, it is tat-central.

honestly, think of the tackiest thing possible, something you would hate to have in your house, and it will not even come close to the tamest things you can find.

Toilet roll holder that plays ave maria, anyone?

[cyberseraphim]

'Everyone is totally accepting of just about anything'

I heard a talk about Lourdes once and the speaker said that miracle is that children with additonal needs are for a few hours free from a world handicapped by prejudice. He mentioned that the healing/cure element is now downplayed a bit and that you don't now see piles of discarded walking sticks etc but I've never been so I don't know.

[countingto10]

2SDWB, I only had to supply spending money but I think all donations are gratefully received.  They send out a quarterly magazine etc.
Your DD should have a great time and you should have a break to IYSWIM.

[pannetone]

I've been as a volunteer helper on the HCPT trip to Lourdes three times - albeit nearly 20 years ago. Groups go from all over GB for that week. The atmosphere is fantastic - and uplifting to see the volunteers and children having fun together. We did have a priest with our group and had some daily prayers. We also took the children to the service for all the HCPt groups. We also spent time in the cafes and pretending to steer the children away from the fascinatingly tacky souvenir shops. It's a beautiful place and away from the town itself it's surprisingly peaceful despite the thousands of pilgrims. Think all of our children had a good time - some came for successive years. We used to fundraise to pay for the children and they bought spending money.