Between February and July 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times to 14 year-old Bernadette Soubirous in the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes. In the course of those apparitions, St. Bernadette received a message which she was to make known to the world – a message of God’s love and forgiveness for all.
Since then, millions of pilgrims each year respond to Mary’s invitation to ‘come in procession’, to deepen their relationship with her Son, Jesus, and to be cleansed of their sins. Lourdes is first and foremost a place of healing – spiritual and physical – and a place where those who are sick are given the place of honour, a sign of Christ’s preferential love for them.
The first Diocesan Pilgrimage left Liverpool in 1923, making it one of the oldest pilgrimages to Lourdes from our country. In that time, there have been many changes, especially in modes of travel, but always with the same intention of allowing as many sick and disabled pilgrims as possible to experience something of the spirit of Lourdes.
Many different groups come together to make up our pilgrimage today: the Liverpool Hospitalité, including our healthcare staff, are responsible for the day-to-day care of our sick pilgrims; our Youth Pilgrims bring their energy and enthusiasm into transporting our sick pilgrims to the various ceremonies; our Lourdes Music Group lead us in our worship to give worthy praise to God; and other affiliated parish groups and individuals contribute to our unity as the people of God on our pilgrim way.
If you would like to know how you can become more involved in our pilgrimage, please click here to contact us. Contact us to find out how you can help others to know the love and peace which is to be found in Lourdes.
‘Through Mary to Jesus’
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