On Sunday 20 October, we were delighted to welcome 25 young people to our diocesan youth retreat centre (SPEC Retreat Centre) in Pinner for the first ever Redcap Reunion, gathering together some of the Redcaps who had served the assisted pilgrims during the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes back in July. The day consisted of socialising, games, small-group reflection time with our chaplains (young adult leaders trained through our Upper Room Leadership Programme), and a keynote talk on the theme of decision-making and prayerful trust.
The Redcaps were guided in considering how they might grow in their relationship with Christ particularly in this time of decision-making, uncertainty, and approaching milestones in their lives. All those who attended are currently studying for their A-Levels and beginning to make plans for employment or further-study, and so we tailored the day’s programme to support and accompany them spiritually in this important chapter of their lives.
It was a joy for our team of chaplains to hear how the experience in Lourdes had touched the hearts of the Redcaps, and some of the reflections shared by the young people were both moving and full of wisdom. We found ourselves, yet again, in full agreement with the Cardinal’s view that they are a sign of hope both for the future of the Church, and for the Church as she is right now.
“I feel very fortunate to have been one of the four chosen to represent my parish as a redcap in Lourdes and it was an experience that I will never forget. Lourdes gave me the opportunity to grow spiritually, but also socially and I know I have made friends of all ages for life. This experience also has shown me the importance of spending time with the infirm and older communities, and how much spending time with them means to them, and in turn how much we can learn from each other.” (Daniel, Redcap in Lourdes 2024)
Reflecting on various challenges endured, and lessons learned, during their experience in Lourdes serving the pilgrims, the Redcaps were invited to consider how God had been teaching them about Christ-centred hope and trust. Their volunteering experience had presented them with many challenges that they had never encountered before, and many admitted that it was precisely these experiences that had brought the greatest lessons and growth. Learning to befriend and accompany pilgrims of a variety of ages and assistance requirements was, for many Redcaps, a big invitation to personal and spiritual transformation.
During the final reflection time of the day, the chaplains encouraged the Redcaps to discern God’s voice in those experiences, to notice times when he had bestowed the most graces in the greatest challenges. Looking to the future, the Redcaps were able to look with great optimism at the next stages in their journey, whether known or unknown, with the fresh understanding that they are loved by the Father and that he can turn all things to good for those who trust in him.