The annual Diocesan Pilgimage to Lourdes takes place from 12-17 September. Bishop Smith will lead the pilgrimage of over 800 people answering the invitation of Our Lady to “come in procession”. The theme for the pilgrimage this year is: “With Bernadette, praying the The Rosary”.
Many of the pilgrims to Lourdes carry the cross of sickness and 200 of our pilgrims will stay in the Accueil Notre Dame Hospital. They will be cared for by a group of over 200 volunteer staff, Nurses, Brancardiers, Doctors, Handmaids & Chaplains. This great work is made possible by the generous support of the people throughout the diocese and is an example of our diocesan community working together for care of one another.
The pilgrims bring with them the hopes and prayers, the pains and joys from the people of the entire Diocese. At the end of the Pilgrimage a large candle will be left burning at the Grotto which gathers into one focus of light all our prayers. During these days of Pilgrimage all the people of our Diocese, whether at home or in Lourdes will be part of the great movement of prayer under the protection of Our Lady of Lourdes.
