St Bernadette inspires a new generation in courage and faith

Having faced rejection and ridicule in her own life, St Bernadette continues to inspire a new generation in courage and faith, pupils representing schools across the Derry Diocese said as they waited on the relics of the saint to arrive at St Eugene's Cathedral yesterday (Sunday, 13th October).

Schools from Donegal and Tyrone joined local pupils forming a guard of honour as the reliquary bearing the saint's earthly remains was carried in solemn procession into the mother church of the diocese flanked by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown and priests of various local parishes.

Fianaid Neill a Year 14 pupil at Lumen Christi College in Derry said the most important aspect for her of today's ceremonies was the "involvement of youth". "St Bernadette was very young when Our Lady appeared to her and entrusted her with her message to the world. It's great to see so many young people here today engaging with their Catholic faith. St Bernadette in her unique, humble way - really connects with young people."

Teacher Bronagh Gormley added: "It's a very special moment in the life of the diocese and a privilege to be here."

Many young people shared personal reflections on what the relics meant to them, including Lumen Christi Year 13 pupil, Aine Muldoon: "We went to Lourdes when my mummy was finishing her cancer treatment. I felt there in the grotto – that my prayers were listened to. I'm here today in gratitude – I don't need anything this time! I'm just praying that St Bernadette and Our Lady will help someone else."

It's great to see so many young people here today engaging with their Catholic faith. St Bernadette in her unique, humble way - really connects with young people.

Fianaid Neill, Year 14 pupil at Lumen Christi College

Emer McCaffrey also of Lumen Christi College and sons Cormac, Declan and Jarlath took part in the procession ceremonies and readings at Lourdes Marian Shrine this summer. "In her simple, humble, quiet way St Bernadette stood firm and shared Our Lady's words with the world. She was what we would call today'an influencer', she promoted Jesus," Mrs McCaffrey said.

Year 14's Ben Jackson, Jason Arbuckle and Lorcan Doherty added: "My grandad, Tony Doherty, was inspired by St Bernadette and I feel connected to him being here today."

"It's very important that St Bernadette's relics are here in Derry today because we are part of sharing the saint's message around the world," said Jason.

"My granny, Mary Vola, had great devotion to St Bernadette," Lorcan added. "This is a first in my lifetime – to have a saint's relics here in the city."

Maeve McCrystal from Loreto Grammar Schoolin Omagh said Bernadette continued to speak the truth of the apparition she had witnessed even in the face of ridicule and rejection.

"No matter how poor, small and insignificant St Bernadette was – she was the one who was chosen. She didn't take credit for it. She remained humble and modest and dedicated to the truth, even when she was rebuked and rejected at the start, she still stuck to what she saw and heard."

Caoimhin McCusker, a Year 9 pupil at St Joseph's Boys in Derry said he felt "privileged" to be part of the guard of honour: "Today is a very special day. These relics have travelled the world and they are coming here to Derry for the first time ever. It's an honour to be part of this."

School-friend Corey Watson, also Year 8, said: "I feel a sense of holiness in the presence of the relic. And I'm proud to represent my school here today."