Lourdes
Pilgrimages to Lourdes
A diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes is held annually
Parish groups, individuals and anyone with a desire to be part of this faith journey is welcome to partake. An annual collection in the parishes of the diocese is used to assist needy people with travel expenses and subsidises the expenses of required medica, professional help as well as voluntary carers for the sick.
People who need assistance are accommodated in a special hospital on the grounds of the shrine and this is staffed during the pilgrimage by people from Cork & Ross who volunteer to assist the pilgrims. The helpers and the able-bodied pilgrims stay in the hotels in the town - which are also near the Grotto. People are encouraged to join the Diocesan Pilgrimage as helpers, nurses and doctors to assist pilgrims in Lourdes. Contact:
The Diocesan Coordinators of the Pilgrimage to Lourdes are Fr. Charlie Kiely, Fr Damian O'Mahony and Fr. Marius O’Reilly. They are appointed by the bishop and work alongside a dedicated team of volunteer lay people.
You can find out more information about Lourdes at
Any latest news and announcements will be published below
Our fifth day in Lourdes was filled with tenderness, prayer, and hope as we reflected on the healing love of God and the compassion of Our Lady.
The morning began with a deeply moving Mass of the Anointing of the Sick. Many of our pilgrims received the sacrament, surrounded by the prayers and support of our diocesan family. It was a powerful reminder that in moments of weakness, God draws close to us, offering strength and peace.
Carol receiving the oil blessing from Bishop Fintan
Sophie, Nora and Conor playing at the Grotto Mass
Our fourth day in Lourdes began in the stillness of early morning with Mass at the Grotto.
We were deeply moved to know that so many from home were able to join us through the livestream, sharing in this pilgrimage journey.
Later in the morning, pilgrims prayed the Stations of the Cross. Some climbed the steep hillside for the High Stations, walking the rugged path with quiet determination, while others followed the Low Stations across the river — a gentler route that allowed everyone to journey prayerfully at their own pace. Both paths offered powerful opportunities to reflect on the suffering of Christ and the crosses each of us carry.
Day three began with the International Mass in the Basilica of Saint Pius X, where thousands of pilgrims from across the world gathered to worship together.
Hearing the prayers and hymns in many different languages was a powerful reminder that, though we come from different places, we are united in the one faith.
In the afternoon, we set out on a special walking pilgrimage — “In the Footsteps of Saint Bernadette”.
We visited the Boly Mill where she was born, the The Cachot where her family lived in poverty, and the Parish Church of the Sacred Heart where she was baptised.
Our pilgrims on tonight's Torchlight Marian Procession. Watch the full highlights video by clicking here.
Our second day in Lourdes began with the Opening Mass, where the pilgrims of the Diocese of Cork and Ross gathered in prayer as one diocesan family.
It was a beautiful celebration of faith, hope, and unity as we placed the days ahead in the care of Our Lady. The hands of our helpers were blessed, a reminder of the generous work they will carry out over these days in caring for our assisted pilgrims.
After Mass, we gathered for our official group photograph — a joyful moment that captured the spirit of friendship and community at the heart of this pilgrimage.
Opening Mass of the pilgrimage. Watch the full highlights by clicking here.
Watch the highlights video of our journey to Lourdes here
Today marks the beginning of our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, as over 450 pilgrims from across the Diocese of Cork and Ross have travelled to come together in prayer, hope, and joy.
With hearts full of faith and trust, we begin this pilgrimage carrying the prayers and intentions of our families, parishes, Families of Parishes, and communities at home.
We warmly invite you to join us each day in spirit and prayer as we journey on this very special pilgrimage.
You can keep up to date with the Cork and Ross pilgrimage over the coming days through the Lourdes livestream.
- On Sunday 21st September at 8.30am (Irish Time), the International Mass at St Pius X Underground Basilica will be available to watch live.
- On Monday 22nd at 7.30am (Irish time), Bishop Fintan and the Cork and Ross pilgrims at Lourdes will celebrate Mass at the Grotto (where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette).
The young adult helpers met on Saturday to prepare ahead of the pilgrimage to Lourdes
Preparations are well underway for this year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which will see more than 400 pilgrims travel next week.
On Friday evening, the nurses, helpers, and Civil Defense volunteers who care for assisted pilgrims gathered to finalize rosters and review the practical arrangements for the pilgrimage.
Earlier that afternoon, school helpers from three post-primary schools across the diocese came together for a preparatory session, which also included time for their own personal faith formation.
The Lourdes School Helper Group with Bishop Fintan Gavin and Lourdes Youth Leaders Fr. Marius O'Reilly and Sheila KelleherEighteen student helpers from three schools—St. Angela’s, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, and Skibbereen Community School—gathered recently to prepare for the Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes this September.
The day opened with an opportunity for the group to get to know one another and the Lourdes pilgrimage youth group leaders, Fr Marius O'Reilly and Sheila Kelleher.
Fr Marius led the group through the story of Lourdes and St. Bernadette. Sheila spoke on what it means to serve as a youth helper on the pilgrimage and what their involvement will mean.
Photo taken at Lourdes in 1972 (full image in post)
Who was on the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1972?
One of the established traditions with pilgrims who travel to the Marian Shrine in Lourdes, France, is to have a photo taken outside the basilica.
There must be many such photos in homes across Ireland!
This photo of the Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes was taken in 1972. It was taken by Photo Viron -- a local firm who still take photos as Lourdes. (Click Read more to see the full photo.)
This year's pilgrimage to Lourdes is from Sept 19th to 24th. A similar mix of people will travel also this year: people who are sick, their family members and helpers, professional carers, young adult helpers as well as able-bodied pilgrims who join from across the diocese.
Learn about Lourdes on Thursday 20thCome to Lourdes as a Young Adult Helper in September!
A special Information Evening will take place for those aged 18 to 25 that are interested in travelling with the Diocese of Cork and Ross to Lourdes (Sept 19th to 24th) as a Young Adult Helper.
The meeting will take place on
Thursday 20 March
at 7.30pm
Mardyke House, Cork
This is a fantastic opportunity for young adults to assist pilgrims in need and deepen their faith by experiencing the unique spirituality of Lourdes.
For more information, please contact Sheila Kelleher at
Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024
Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025 will be in September and booking is open now
The Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes this year will take place from Friday 19th September to Wednesday 24th September under the patronage of Bishop Fintan Gavin.
The flights are from Cork to Lourdes. There is a choice of hotels from €939 pps and there will be a full Pilgrimage Programme.
Bookings are now open with Joe Walsh Tours on (01) 2410 800 for anyone wishing to travel as a pilgrim.
Volunteers are also required: Doctors, Nurses, Care Assistants and Helpers (Adults and Young Adults aged between 18-25 years).
A special Reunion Mass for those who travelled to Lourdes last September will be on Friday, February 28th at 7.30pm in the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield, followed by a social afterwards.
This will officially launch this year’s pilgrimage, and all are invited and welcome to attend this Mass.
For general enquiries about the pilgrimage contact (085) 2525 040 or email:
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