Welcome to our Pilgrimage from Bishop Patrick

Dear Pilgrims

It is good to be in Lourdes! I am always pleased when we are able, as a Diocese, to journey to this holy Grotto of Lourdes where Our Blessed Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette, and where she invites us to visit also.

Our Pilgrimage begins when the heart is moved to make the journey and take the first step; it is a great thing to begin that journey. Through the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes we reach out to the sick, the lonely and the marginalised, members of our parishes and communities, as well as the active, able bodied and involved members too. How we journey as pilgrims takes many different forms, but each year we are supported by a medical team of volunteers and a great group of young people, as well as many other volunteers too, who give of their time to make it a very special experience for all. We come together as a Diocesan Pilgrim community journeying with Christ and Our Lady to this holy place that we call Lourdes. The experience of Lourdes, and volunteering at Lourdes, has helped many people, young and old alike, to have a real “Encounter” with Christ and to experience the power of the prayers of our Blessed Mother for themselves, and all whom they hold in prayer during their Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

May our time in Lourdes during this year’s Pilgrimage enable us to truly allow Christ into our lives, and may we hear more clearly that call of our Blessed Mother, to ‘come to this place’. With my prayers for each one of you, your families and friends,

Right Reverend Patrick McKinney Bishop of Nottingham