Overview & Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Highlight
Welcome to the Raphael Pilgrimage 2026. Our programme this year gives you the opportunity to experience many of the traditional activities in Lourdes as part of the unique family atmosphere that is Raphael Pilgrimage. We will celebrate our mass and special anointing service at Bartres and The Church of St John the Baptist where Bernadette herself used to attend Mass. Our journey to and from Lourdes will be on charter flights with the Catholic Association and our stay in Lourdes will be at the Padoue Hotel.
Our history as a pilgrimage goes back 70 years and although we have changed much in that time we are still able to offer support to pilgrims who need some assistance and help during their time in Lourdes. For those who have travelled with us before, lots of us for any years, we recognise the distinctive family atmosphere that Raphael has. For those who travel with us for the first time they soon realise the unique experience of Lourdes we offer, lead by our Spiritual Director, Fr Leo Heakin. Everyone who travels with Raphael contributes to that atmosphere.
About our pilgrimage
Elderly, Sick & Disabled Pilgrims
Every year some four million pilgrims visit Lourdes seeking some kind of healing whether physical, psychological or spiritual. We have teams of volunteer helpers to assist both on the journey and in Lourdes.
However, this year we do require information about general health, mobility and medication.
We come to Lourdes in response to Our Lady’s invitation.
Fund Raising
We are always in need of raising funds. Most groups undertake fund raising events to help especially those sick and housebound pilgrims and their helpers who would be prevented from traveling by lack of finance. If you would like to make a donation, get involved in any fund raising activities, or simply receive details about them, please contact the Pilgrimage Director.
Volunteer, Nurses and Helpers
Pilgrims
Every year some four million pilgrims visit Lourdes seeking some kind of healing whether physical, psychological or spiritual. We have teams of volunteers who assist those pilgrims who need support whilst in Lourdes, either because of age, health or medical conditions.
Volunteer Nurses/Helpers
In order for us to support the assisted pilgrims we welcome volunteers for a varity of roles
- Registered nurses
- Those with experience in personal care e.g Health care support workers/carers
- General helpers for support e.g to assist with getting around Lourdes
In our registration form we ask you to let us know whether you would like to volunteer in one of these roles. The spirit of Raphael often means that even those of us not defined as a ‘helper’ end up helping each other and being helped often by simply talking and sharing our time and experiences in Lourdes.
