IN THE NEWS

Nine days before we set off on our pilgrimage we make a Novena which entails devoting some time each day in prayer reflecting on quotes from the Old and New Testaments and praying an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.

Friday 26th June Just seven of us from St.Bede’s travelled this year. We had Mass at the Immaculate Conception at 8.30 which was a wonderful way to begin the day and pilgrimage. Mandy had arranged a coach from Rotherham which was a tremendous help in our getting to the airport. The coach picked up further Pilgrims in Doncaster then we travelled the scenic route to Leeds airport. We flew at 2.45 and landed in Lourdes at 4.45 where coaches were waiting to take us to our hotels for an evening meal.

Saturday 27th - We had our opening Mass in St. Bernadette’s Church[Carmel side] and all the helper’s hands were blessed to prepare them for the work they would undertake in Lourdes. Tina Jenkinson and Sr. Anne led the hymns throughout the week with Kieran playing the organ each day. Following this Mass we processed to the Prairie for the Water Gesture. This has replaced actually going into the baths. The baths closed for a while but are now open again for anyone wishing to visit them. Everyone faced the Grotto which was across the river and prayed for the sick in our parishes. The water from the spring in Lourdes acquired the reputation for healing. The spring is still flowing but analysis of the water has found nothing remarkable about it and yet there have been numerous miracles in Lourdes for many years. At the Grotto there are 18 water points reminding us of the 18 apparitions. These supply water from the spring that Bernadette initially dug many years ago. The youth distributed cups of water for everyone to drink then carried jugs and bowls for all to wash their hands or faces. The service concluded with a prayer.

After lunch, the Service of Reconciliation took place in St.Pius X church. The scripture reading was Luke 15: 11-24. The Rosary was recited while individual confessions took place. Later that afternoon there was a walking tour of Lourdes mainly for anyone visiting Lourdes for the first time but anyone is welcome to join in. Places of interest where Bernadette grew up are pointed out. Before the evening meal we held Lectio Divina in our own hotels. Fr. Bede led our hotel group - we studied the Gospel of Luke: 1:30-47 and if we wished we shared questions and understandings directed by the Spirit. This was a very moving half an hour. Later that evening there is the opportunity for a night visit to the Grotto. I have never undertaken this part of the Pilgrimage but I am told it is very spiritual.

Sunday 28th - The Mass today was the Anointing of the sick and held in St.Bernadette’s [Grotto side] The Litany begins with a prayer - Lord look kindly on those who are going to receive the Sacrament of the sick. May your love come to visit them and strengthen them. Give them peace and joy, relieve their suffering, restore them to health, give them courage and strength in their trials, fill their hearts with confidence in your goodness and in the Eternal Life where you come to meet us. Amen. The oils are blessed and the Priests recite - through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. After the Mass we had a group photo taken - we were blessed with good weather while the photographer was happy with everyone in place.

Every year a huge Hallam Diocese candle is lit in the Chapel of lights which is past the Grotto on the other side of the river. The candle is transported from the hotels, through the town into the Domain with everyone following in procession. Every evening there is a torchlight procession outside around the Domain. Hallam were invited to assist this evening but because of a storm the procession had to be held in the underground. It was wonderful to see so many of our pilgrims carrying flags, banners and most special of all the statue of Our Lady. Everyone did extremely well processing all around the two upper layers of the church and having to walk through a huge puddle at the top of one of the ramps!

Monday 29th - Today dawned cloudy and cooler which was a great blessing as Mass was held in the open air at the Grotto. We shared this Mass with Pilgrims from Galway.

It was also the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. We had readings from the Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 and St. Paul to Timothy 4: 6-8,17-18. The Gospel was from Matthew.

Once again Kieran played for us and Tina led a small group with the hymns. Russel wore a splendid uniform and walked proudly with the Priests. Russell was honoured, and humbled to be awarded a papal knighthood by Pope Leo XIV last year. This was in recognition of using his professional skills at the service of the Church. He was chief doctor to the pilgrimage for nearly 30 years. He is now a knight of the Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester and in addition to wearing the uniform at Church celebrations he has the right to ride his horse through St Peter's Square !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Straight after the end of Mass we had a passage through the Grotto and the opportunity to gaze at the spring which has flowed ever since Bernadette was told to scratch in the earth to discover water many years ago.

The plan for the afternoon was for everyone to visit the Lac de Lourdes and socialise but because of the heat this was cancelled and Pilgrims could make their own choices for the afternoon. A quiz was planned for anyone wishing to remain indoors. Many pilgrims decided to use the Pic de Jour and see the wonderful view from high in the Pyrenees. Some rode the little train that takes a tour of the town or visited the model village of Lourdes - most enchanting. We had an early evening meal to enable us to attend Holy Hour with adoration in St. Joseph’s Chapel which was led by Fr.Bede. A smaller church than most in Lourdes which creates a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere.

Tuesday 30th - Mass was later today as Pilgrims had a choice of the Stations of the Cross. The high Stations are not suitable for wheelchairs as the path is uneven and steep. Life-size images line the way and one can imagine oneself following Christ on his dreadful journey to Calvary. They are awesome. The Low Stations are situated across the river towards the end of the Domain. They were sculpted by Maria De Faykod.

She was commissioned by the Sanctuary of Lourdes to create the Prairie Stations of the Cross, which are fully accessible to pilgrims with reduced mobility. Between 2003 and 2008, she carved all 17 stations from massive single blocks of white Carrara marble. The sequence goes beyond the traditional 14 Stations by including: Mary waiting in hope on Holy Saturday, the Resurrection and Christ appearing to the Disciples on the road to Emmaus. The marble Stations are known for their serene, contemplative style and are considered one of the most significant modern works of sacred sculpture in Lourdes.

Marie de Faykod is a French-Hungarian sculptor who has devoted much of her life to creating sacred art. She was born in Hungary and later settled in France, where she developed a distinctive style of sculpture rooted in Christian faith and contemplation

She works almost exclusively in Carrara marble, the same beautiful white marble from Italy that was used by many of the great Renaissance sculptors, including Michelangelo. Maria de Faykod believes that sculpture is not simply an artistic process but also a spiritual one. She has often spoken about allowing the figure to emerge from the stone through prayer, patience, and careful craftsmanship. They are images of Christ’s journey sculptured out of marble and are magnificent. Groups walk around the Stations pausing to reflect and pray and willing volunteers ensure everyone can attend if they have mobility issues.

Whilst in this area it is possible to visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. My favourite place to visit and I always encourage new Pilgrims to spend some time there. A beautiful part of Lourdes where the Blessed sacrament is exposed and it is a perfect place for prayer, peace and spending time with the Lord.

Mass was celebrated in the Rosary Basilica. The mysteries of the Rosary are depicted in mosaic around the church. Above this church are two other churches - much older than the Basilica. They were too small to accompany the crowds that began to gather in Lourdes and so the larger church had to be built. In the fort in the town are amazing old photos of the Basilica being constructed.

Every afternoon at 5p.m the Blessed Sacrament procession takes place. It begins at the podium on the Prairie. The procession is led by the banner of Our Lady followed by the pilgrimage banners, then the sick and able bodied pilgrims. The next section is led by the Cross, the banners of the Tree of Life and the Book of the Gospels surrounded by banners of the Evangelists and the Priests. One year I had the honour of leading the Blessed sacrament. A most precious memory. The procession moves along the Esplanade and enters Pius X [Underground]. Hallam were invited to assist with leading the procession today. Russel looked most dignified in his uniform.

Later in the evening the Alba hotel hosted a social evening to which everyone was invited.

Wednesday 1st July - Pope Leo’s intention for July is For respect for Human life. Let us pray for the respect and protection of Human life in all its stages,recognizing it as a gift from God.

We attended the International Mass in St.Pius X Basilica. It seems as though there are people from all over the globe at this Mass. The choir sing superbly assisted with a trumpeter and organist - a delight to hear. There are many large elevated screens and I particularly like when they show a close up of the Consecration - powerful!

Mid afternoon we held our closing ceremony and a video of highlights from the week were shown on a screen - most enjoyable. The youth sang for us and many votes of thanks were expressed for all helpers - especially the medical team - who are always on call and Tina and her choir with Kieran for the music.

Before the evening meal a very detailed planning meeting was held in preparation for departure the following day. Bishop Ralph visits each hotel throughput the pilgrimage and shares a meal with everyone. He came for dinner this evening at the Europe.

Thursday 2nd July - our pre-departure Mass was held in St.Bernadette’s [Grotto side] with strict instructions for wheelchair users not to go shopping and to have their chairs returned to Kieran as soon as possible. It is his worst nightmare to have a lost chair.

The coaches arrived at 15.20 and we were on our way to the airport by 15.40. It is just 20 minutes to the airport. Check in was very smooth with five gates open for us. We flew at 18.40. Very grateful to Mandy who had arranged transport to and from the airport and we were safely back at Immaculate Conception around 10p.m.

Everyone agreed it had been a most powerful, prayerful pilgrimage.

A huge thank you to Russell for leading us this year. God willing we will return in 2027

Hallam Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026