Lourdes pastoral theme 2023 - ‘…that a chapel be built here…’
Dear Pilgrims,
I would like to invite you to come to Lourdes this year and to be part of the Diocese of Leeds pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a physical journey undertaken for a spiritual purpose. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is urging you to make that journey this year to the shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pilgrimage is a major part of our spiritual life and we are renewed, refreshed and enlightened in our faith. For those of you who say 'I would love to go Lourdes sometime...'; then let 2023 be the year.
I look forward to welcoming you at the shrine of Our Lady in July.
Fr Phillip Hall
Pilgrimage Director
A pre-pilgrimage Mass will take place midday Saturday 20 May, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Otley Old Road, Leeds, LS16 6HW.
Itinerary - to be confirmed
Saturday
We will celebrate our Opening Mass in the St Bernadette Centre on the morning of our first full day in Lourdes. In the afternoon we will participate in the stations of the cross.
Sunday to Tuesday
On the Sunday morning, we will celebrate Mass as a pilgrimage together at the international mass in the underground Basilica. In the afternoon we will have our Blessed Sacrament procession.
Each evening, pilgrims can enjoy the torchlight procession.
On the Monday Mass will be said in the Rosary Basilica, one of the most beautiful places in Lourdes. There will be free time in the afternoon for personal devotions. Again, in the evening, pilgrims can enjoy the torchlight procession.
Tuesday morning we will celebrate Mass in the St Bernadette centre opposite the Grotto and in the afternoon we will have our penitential service.
Wednesday to Thursday
In the morning, we will celebrate, with our entire group, Mass at the Grotto. In the afternoon, there will be free time for devotions. In the evening, the pilgrimage will be leading the torchlight procession.
On the Thursday, we will have our closing Mass to celebrate the end of our Pilgrimage. This will take place in the Underground Basilica.
The details and venues are subject to change and a more detailed program will be given you each day in your hotel in Lourdes.