Join me for the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

I warmly invite you to join me and fellow pilgrims on our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, one of the most significant pastoral events in the Diocesan calendar. This year’s pilgrimage is from Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2024…

Pope Francis has dedicated 2024 to being a Year of Prayer. Pilgrimage is a very particular form of prayer, a time when we don’t only speak words to God, but act with our bodies to come to a particular place. Lourdes has been a place of special prayer for over 160 years since Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858. Lourdes holds a special affection in the hearts of many across the Diocese and these trips are wonderful opportunities to experience faith, fun and friendship. I very much hope that you will consider joining me and fellow pilgrims when we depart from London Gatwick Airport on Monday 22nd July. We will be staying close to the Sanctuary at the four-star Hotel La Solitude which enjoys panoramic views of the upper town and the Pyrenees. The hotel boasts en-suite rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a comfortable restaurant with a varied and plentiful menu. We have an itinerary which takes full advantage of all that Lourdes has to offer, which includes participation in all the usual Pilgrimage activities.  Pilgrims visit many places that were important to St Bernadette during her lifetime as well as offering the opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. During our pilgrimage there will be moments of quiet reflection and peace, as well as times when we will be able to hear the chanting and singing of hundreds of voices.

If you would like to know more about the pilgrimage to Lourdes this year email lourdes@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk  or click here for a booking form.  [Image: Joe Walsh Tours]

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