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
Cork and Ross Lourdes Pilgrimage Group 2026
After five days of prayer, walking in the footsteps of St. Bernadette and sharing in the life of Lourdes, our Diocese of Cork and Ross pilgrims are making their way home today.
As we say goodbye to Lourdes, we give thanks for all that we have experienced together. From our celebrations of Mass and moments of prayer at the Grotto to the friendships formed and the kindness shown to one another, these past few days have given us memories that will remain with us long after we return home. As important as those memories are, Bishop Fintan encouraged us to bring more than just memories home: “We are called to return home changed in some way by what we have experienced here. Perhaps more attentive to somebody who needs us. More willing to make time for prayer. More patient. More ready to forgive. More conscious of the person who is lonely or struggling. More willing to speak about our faith and about the hope that Christ gives us. More willing to get involved in my parish or the diocese. He continued, “Our mission does not necessarily begin with anything dramatic. It begins in our homes, our parishes and Families of Parishes, our schools and workplaces, among our friends and the people we meet each day.”
This morning, we gathered for Mass at the Grotto, a celebration at the heart of our Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes. In the place where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette, and where countless pilgrims have come with their burdens and hopes, we gathered as part of that great procession of faith, carrying with us the prayers of our families, friends, parishes and Families of Parishes across the diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan invited us to reflect not only on what we had brought to Lourdes, but also on what we would take home with us: “We are being sent back to Cork and Ross carrying something of what we have received here – the faith and simplicity of Bernadette, the tenderness of Mary, the friendship we have shared with one another and, above all, a renewed awareness of the presence and love of Jesus Christ.”
Lourdes Grotto Mass 2026
Mass with the Anointing of the Sick
Our third day in Lourdes was a reminder of why so many people come to this special place, seeking comfort in times of suffering, strength in times of uncertainty and a renewed sense of hope.
The morning began with an alternative Stations of the Cross held indoors due to restrictions in preparation for the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Our student and young adult helpers processed with the Stations, bringing each one forward to the Pilgrim Cross, blessed by Archdeacon Kerry Murphy O’Connor in 2014, as a reminder that we can bring our pain and worries to Jesus who offers us the hope of healing and new life.
Fr. Charlie Kiely led pilgrims on a walking tour in the footsteps of St. Bernadette to learn more about Bernadette and the way in which God chose her to share Our Lady’s message with the world.
The second day of the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes brought pilgrims together for a day of prayer and reflection, culminating in the Candlelight Rosary Procession, led by our diocese.
The morning began with the International Mass at the St. Pius X Underground Basilica, where our pilgrims joined thousands of people from across the world in celebrating the Eucharist. Many pilgrims remarked on how moving it was to see people from across the world, speaking different languages and coming from different cultures, united in prayer. It was a powerful reminder of the universal Church and the faith that connects us.
Later in the day, pilgrims gathered at Côté Carmel for a moving Penitential Service. Amid the busyness of the pilgrimage, this was an important opportunity for personal reflection, reconciliation and an encounter with God’s love and mercy.
Cork and Ross had the honour of leading the Candlelight Rosary Procession tonight
The Blessed Sacrament Procession, which was led by the Diocese of Cork and Ross, as pilgrims from across the world gathered in prayer.
Whatever You Are Carrying, the Lord Is With You
Today marked the first full day of the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Over 450 pilgrims, including assisted pilgrims, doctors, nurses, young adult and student helpers, adult helpers, carers and parishioners from across the diocese, gathered this morning for our Opening Mass at Côté Grotte.
People come to Lourdes for many different reasons, each carrying their own prayers, hopes and intentions. During his homily, Bishop Fintan reminded us that, whatever we may be carrying, the Lord is with us: “The Lord is with you in your illness and in your worries. The Lord is with you in your questions. The Lord is with you when your faith feels strong and when it feels fragile.” These words were particularly meaningful as we brought the prayers and petitions entrusted to us by people at home to the Grotto this afternoon, remembering all those who could not be with us in Lourdes.
The Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 18th September to Wednesday 23rd September 2026 under the patronage of Bishop Fintan Gavin.
A Mass of Thanksgiving for those who travelled on last year’s pilgrimage was celebrated last Friday evening in the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield. The gathering provided an opportunity for pilgrims to give thanks for the many blessings received in Lourdes and also marked the official launch of the 2026 diocesan pilgrimage.
Following the Mass, refreshments were served in the parish centre where pilgrims had the opportunity to reconnect, renew friendships and share memories of their time in Lourdes.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the special spirit of the pilgrimage and encouraged those present to invite others to experience Lourdes for themselves.
Bishop Fintan blessing those present at the Mass of Thanksgiving
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.
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