Welcome from Bishop Philip

Dear Friends,
I am sending you this e-News from Lourdes where this week we are on the diocesan pilgrimage. It is very hot and so we are having to take special care. Please pray for all our pilgrims and for a safe journey. It is wonderful to be here, to be in the Lord’s presence in this holy place and to visit the Blessed Mother at the Grotto! Tonight, we will be joining the Torchlight Procession; tomorrow, we have the International Mass in the underground basilica in the morning before heading up into the mountains on a trip to Gavarnie. On Thursday we will be taking part in the Blessed Sacrament procession. We return on Friday evening. Be assured I have you in my prayers and I am presenting to the Lord all the prayer intentions you have sent in. I have lit the candles as requested and on Thursday afternoon, the whole pilgrimage group will be gathering at 4 pm (French time: 3 pm ours) to offer the Rosary for all who have requested prayers. Meanwhile, much of our e-News this week is devoted to the new clergy appointments scheduled for the autumn, plus a changeround of jobs and assignments. You can read all about these below. I have also included below a special prayer to say for priests that Fr. Leo, Bishop’s Secretary, used to say daily in the seminary. It deserves to be better known by us all. May God grant you a blessed week ahead – and if you are on holiday a good rest.