Pilgrimage staff from this year’s pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine gathered for Mass and a Social occasion in Athboy on Friday 23 November. Fr Joseph Gallagher (pilgrimage director) complimented the ten new helpers who made their commitment to serve the sick both in the diocese and in Lourdes.
The commitment was made during the Celebration of Mass celebrated by Bishop Smith and priests who accompany the pilgrimage every 12-17 September. As part of their commitment, the member declared that they are “conscious that this commitment should influence my spiritual, family and everyday life and that this service is generously given by me for the good of others.”
Eighteen members of the Hospitalité were presented with a bronze or silver medal to mark their service. This medal is also a visible reminder of the pastoral support which is valued by over 200 hospital pilgrims on the Meath pilgrimage every year.
Following the Mass video footage from this year’s pilgrimage was launched on the diocesan website to rekindle memories of faith and service and to encourage others to join the pilgrimage as part of the activities of the Year of Faith.
Included in the footage are the Torchlight Procession, Blessed Sacrament Procession, Way of the Cross, Anointing of the Sick, homilies from some of the Ceremonies, reflections and a number of interviews with pilgrims.
Fr Robert McCabe who assembled the video footage expressed the hope that the images, sounds and expressions of faith which nourish us spiritually in Lourdes might be shared with family, friends and future pilgrims.
All material can be viewed at www.icatholic.ie/dioceseofmeath
