Scottish Catholic Observer

ALMA, the Association of Lourdes Motherwell Aid, has two distinct but integral functions For almost ten years I have been part of one branch of ALMA; working in the community with people who have additional support needs (ASNs). Although I had heard of the other branch of ALMA—the youth pilgrimage to Lourdes every two years to provide assistance for the diocesan pilgrims—I had never been involved. Not until, this year that is when I took part in the 2010 ALMA youth pilgrimage to Lourdes.

The branch of ALMA that I am familiar with works with the people of the diocese. There are clubs run in several parishes throughout the diocese of Motherwell on weeknights where people with ASNs come together to meet new and old friends, dance, paint and play sports.

This is made possible by ALMA helpers, volunteers of all ages from the diocese who devote a few hours each week to these groups. The club nights are extremely successful and are enjoyed by all; the sheer longevity of the project speaks volumes.

It was with trepidation, conversely, that I signed up to go to Lourdes this year on the ALMA youth pilgrimage. I felt slightly out of my depth and unsure of what to expect. However, it soon became apparent that there was no need to be apprehensive.

As soon as the youth pilgrimage embarked upon its mammoth bus journey to Lourdes, people started getting to know one another, learning about each other, and making friends. By the end of the trip, the whole group felt an overwhelming sense of connection, stemmed from a wealth of shared experiences, emotions and Faith.

I feel I  can speak for all of us when I say that the ALMA Lourdes pilgrimage of 2010 was an experience that we will carry with us always.

Each day we would assist the pilgrims on their way to Masses, processions, the baths, the grotto, or simply spend time with them in the shops and cafes of Lourdes. At night we would visit their hotel and provide entertainment in the form of dancing, singing and, on one particular evening, a quiz.

The pilgrims and ALMA youth workers all bonded extremely well within the space of the week’s pilgrimage, enjoying each other’s stories, experiences and company. Meeting and spending time with the pilgrims, singing silly chants on the streets of Lourdes at one in the morning, sharing mealtimes together, the beautiful scenery, the spirituality of the grotto, the tears and laughter and the tedious but unifying bus journeys all contrived to make this year’s pilgrimage an exciting, emotional and unforgettable experience, one which we will carry with us always.

Being part of both branches of ALMA brings an enhanced appreciation of ALMA as a whole, and experiencing one aspect of ALMA helps you to better understand the other.

The ASN support groups across the parishes of Motherwell, and the two-yearly pilgrimage to Lourdes, both may serve unique purposes, and may be quite distinct branches, but they both stem from the same trunk, the one source: ALMA.

ALMA will continue to serve a great purpose in the community through the wonderful work of its volunteers; those who work at home in the diocese and the youths who do their work in Lourdes.