Fr Paul Keane, Director of our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, writes:
In July, 350 pilgrims accompanied Bishop Alan on pilgrimage to Lourdes. They were supported by the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service. This is always a homecoming for the Diocese of Brentwood as Our Lady of Lourdes is our patroness. This year’s theme of all pilgrimages to the Shrine were words of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the clergy, which she entrusted to St Bernadette: ‘…come here in procession.’ And so, every evening in Lourdes, as Our Lady requested, there is a candlelit procession, during which the rosary is prayed. As night falls, as the flames brighten, and the pilgrims slowly process – hailing Mary in various languages – the beauty of Lourdes is most clear. Our shared faith and hope shine out. This year, therefore, we sought to ensure that the gift of such processions of faith were especially recognised. They mirror the deep reality of our lives: that we walk with others, whose support we need, as we journey towards the Lord. In founding the Church, Jesus Christ teaches us that His Father has chosen to save us together.
This support of each other, in faith, is easy to see in Lourdes. We were young and old, clergy and lay, healthy and sick, from East London and Essex, forming one pilgrimage. Those able-bodied supported those in need. Those in need gave others a chance to serve. Do not stand apart. Join us next year and know the blessing of Lourdes.