In 1925 Bishop Dudley Carey-Elwes led the first Northampton Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Since then it has become an annual multi-Diocese event run under the auspices of the Catholic Association.
The 2010 Pilgrimage took place on 20th to 27th August. We hope to have a report soon.
Lourdes is a town in the French region of Bigorre, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where in 1858 the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, appeared 18 times to a simple teenage girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in order to draw people into a deeper relationship with her son Jesus. 150 years later, the Lourdes shrine attracts over six million visitors every year, which , of course, includes our own pilgrimage.
We spend a week in Lourdes every August. Whether we are 'assisted pilgrims', or helpers, young or old, clergy or laity, we are all in need of spiritual renewal, and our journey to Lourdes helps our pilgrims to refocus in their life's journey to God.
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Last year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage took place from 21st to 28th August 2009. Margaret Miceli, who works at Bishop's House, reports on the Pilgrimage:
"This year I wanted to go to Lourdes, not for myself but for my brother who was not very well. I couldn't believe it when my husband said he would go too. I prayed with others that my brother would be well enough to travel, but I left it in God's hands. Unfortunately, he couldn't come, but there is always next year, please God.
When we arrived we found we had been upgraded to a nicer hotel. All the people on our end of the table had been upgraded too. We all got on so well we stayed together the whole week. As if it was meant to be!
We arrived on Friday. On the Saturday we all had tea with the Bishop. To my surprise my husband offered to carry the Northampton Banner. He actually carried it every day. He didn't know what he was letting himself in for. . . but I know if anyone needed help he would be the first one there, and that puts him on the top of my list.
The week was very busy, so you have to pace yourself. If you need assistance you only have to ask one of the agents/nurses who come around every morning, and within the day the help will be sorted out, whether it is practical or spiritual.
The first time you go into the baths you don't know what to expect. The women who help you are so dedicated and kind. They hold a sheet around you while you undress, then take you through to the baths. You get into the ice-cold water, and then they hold up the sheet for you to step out again. Then you get dressed. (You will find that you are dry without using a towel. It is remarkable.)
The weather was mixed. When we arrived it was raining, but it soon dried up. Some days were cloudy but still warm. Some days were hot sunshine. One day it poured down all day.
The Churches are not like our grand Cathedrals, but as you sit in the underground Basilica and look around and see all the saints looking down on you, you feel a great sense of security. When you see the Bishops giving the blessing for the sick it makes you feel "a bit of a fraud", because the more problems they have the happier the sick seem to be !"
For further information about how the Pilgrimage is organised, what events typically take place on pilgrimage, some of our policy documents,and a downloadable brochure produced by Tangney Tours, as well as materials from our archives and photo galleries, check the Catholic Association website.
For booking forms, printed brochures and further information contact The Director of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Fr Damien Walne, at 1 Elwes Way, Great Billing, Northampton, NN3 9EA or email .
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Secretary is Mr Michael Carter from High Wycombe.
Assistant Director is Rev. Deacon Michael Fleming from St Gregory's, Northampton.