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.
Bishop Fintan placing your prayer petitions at the Grotto
Later in the day, we had our Penitential Service, where we paused to reflect, to let go of what weighs us down, and to open our hearts to God’s mercy.
In the late afternoon, we made our passage through the Grotto, quietly touching the rock where Saint Bernadette first saw Our Lady. It was a deeply personal and prayerful moment for many of our pilgrims. There, we entrusted your prayer petitions, which came from parishes across the diocese over the past number of weeks and from when St. Bernadette's relics visited our diocese last October.
This evening, enjoyed a sing-song with our assisted pilgrims. Today reminded us that we do not walk this journey alone — we walk together, strengthened by one another’s prayers.
