Colm Fitzpatrick
Pictured in Lourdes with the Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage 2019 were Kate Batan, Peg Curran and Jodi Kavanagh. Photo: John Power This month, hundreds of people from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore travelled as part of the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Now in its 61st year, 485 people made the journey, with 94 sick pilgrims as part of the group.
Noting that all in attendance enjoyed the trip, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan told The Irish Catholic: “It was wonderful, grace-filled, I think everyone benefitted spiritually from it and every year [they are] struck by the pace that abounds in the grotto. Our Lady through her Motherly help is helping us, caring for us,” adding that pilgrims come away with a “renewed faith”.
Among many events on the itinerary, parishioners celebrated Mass in Bernadette’s Chapel, visited the baths for the sick, and took part in a torchlight procession.
“I’m a pilgrim too so I come away with a renewed faith as well and also of course, to see, meet other pilgrims with their particular stories and the sick with the burdens that they carry, it always reminds one of one’s blessings,” Bishop Cullinan said, adding that there are “wonderful things” happening in France at the moment.