If you are bringing a party to Lourdes at the same time as the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage, or travelling independently as an individual, you are invited to affiliate to the Pilgrimage.
The main benefits of affiliation are:
- The opportunity to demonstrate your wish to be a member of the large Archdiocesan family presence in Lourdes;
- The provision of the Pilgrimage handbook and badge;
- The ability to join those services which have been arranged specifically for the Pilgrimage, and to obtain the daily programme either now or from the Pilgrimage Office in the Permanence situated in the Domaine;
- Access to the daily clinic in the Acceuil St. Frai for advice or treatment of minor ailments. Details of times are available on the published daily timetable.
Care of Affiliated Sick Pilgrims
a) Registration. Any affiliated pilgrim who is in a serious condition due to age or illness, or who requires assistance with mobility whilst in Lourdes, should register as a sick pilgrim. (NB: People who need regular nursing/medical care should apply to travel with the Pilgrimage and stay in the Acceuil St. Frai.) Forms will be sent directly to the sick pilgrims and should be returned to the Pilgrimage Office for forwarding to the Medical Team.
b) Bathing of the Sick. Registered Sick Pilgrims will be invited to attend the Bathing of the Sick with St. Frai pilgrims.
c) Youth Assistance. This will be available only for registered sick pilgrims. Following receipt of a completed medical certificate, a care needs assessment will be conducted by a member of the Pilgrimage Medical Team. Any requirements for Youth assistance will be forwarded to the Youth Pilgrimage by the Pilgrimage Office.
d) Cartes de Malade. These will be available for those who are fully mobile but unable to stand for long periods.
Medical Care for Non-registered Affiliated Pilgrims
Access to the daily clinics is available only to affiliated pilgrims, or those travelling with the pilgrimage. The venue and times will be circulated shortly before the pilgrimage.
The clinics are available for advice and treatment of minor conditions requiring basic First Aid.
The St. Frai is not a hospital and has no facilities for emergency medical care.
The Pilgrimage Doctors may only treat in hotels those pilgrims who have registered by submitting a completed medical certificate. If non-registered pilgrims are taken ill in hotels, the hotelier should call a local doctor.
Nearer to the Pilgrimage you will be provided with pilgrimage badges and handbooks for a fee of £6 per person, to cover the cost of badge and handbook and medical cover as above.
What to do?
Contact the Secretary of the Lourdes Pilgrimage Association by clicking here.
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