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Dear friends,
Plans are now well under way for this year’s Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. As well as chartering an aircraft for those wishing to fly, we are also offering travel by coach and TGV high-speed train, including an option for an overnight stop on route in Calais.
There are many groups being organised from around the diocese, both deanery and parish groups. If you are not part of a group and would like to join a local group and stay in the same hotel, please contact the Pilgrimage Office for details of all the groups that are travelling this year.
If you have not already considered the diocesan pilgrimage for this year and would like to join us, please complete a pilgrimage booking form. A brief outline of the travel options are included in this newsletter but further information or a full copy of the booking form can be obtained by contacting the pilgrimage office. They are also available to download from either the pilgrimage website or the Diocesan Website.
Places are still available in the Accueil Marie St. Frai for those who need additional medical or nursing support or who would be unable to care for themselves in a hotel. A special booking form is required for
Accueil pilgrims along with a general medical form which must be completed by a GP. This is to provide as much information as possible to our medical and nursing team, to ensure that your stay in the Accueil is as comfortable as possible.
More information on the pilgrimage is available from the
brochure,
booking- form and latest
newsletter.
Those of you who are able to join us this year, will receive confirmation of their departure details in mid July.
Amidst our practical preparations for the pilgrimage, the pilgrimage committee and I are very aware of our need to prepare for what is ultimately a spiritual journey of prayer and penance. I was very fortunate in February of this year, to be in Lourdes for the annual pilgrimage directors meeting. However, from all the things that I heard during those few days, what resonated with me most were the words of the Rector of the Lourdes Sanctuaries, Fr. Horacio Brito. He said:
“What I would like to see this year, for all those pilgrims who come to Lourdes, is that they are able to leave this place with a better understanding and love of the Rosary.”
My hope is that all our efforts this year will enable those joining our Diocesan pilgrimage to gain a clearer understanding of how by praying the Rosary, we can be led into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Finally, whether you are able to join us in Lourdes or not, you are welcome to attend our Mass of Preparation which takes place on Sunday, 29th July at 5.30 pm in St. John’s Cathedral, Salford. This Mass will be celebrated by the Bishop and refreshments will be served afterwards in the cloisters of the Cathedral.
I sincerely hope that you will be able to join us on pilgrimage and if so, I look forward to seeing you soon.
With all good wishes and prayers,
Fr Michael Jones
Pilgrimage Director
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