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
“Those of us who have been to Lourdes have experienced something that draws us back,” says Fr Damian O’Mahony, Co-PP Glounthaune who is one of the Lourdes pilgrimage coordinators in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
He was speaking to people who attended meetings in recent days to find out about this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The first Cork and Ross pilgrimage to Lourdes since before Covid will be led by Bishop Fintan Gavin in September. It involves a five-night stay in Lourdes where assisted pilgrims are accommodated in a hospital-like environment but with prefessional medical, nursing and support care provided by people from home. Most other pilgrims stay in hotels in the town of Lourdes within walking distance of the Grotto area.
Daily liturgies are planned by the diocese and these always include a special Mass celebrated at the Grotto where Our Lady appeared. Pilgrims also participate in the daily processions.
“Over the years, I have met some great friends on the pilgrimage, from among the assisted pilgrims and all the helpers,” said David Sheehy, who has been to Lourdes as a helper nine times. It began when he was asked by his brother-in-law Pat Fitzgerald if he’d go and help.
“It’s a great life experience which has shaped my passion for wanting to help others and care for others,” said Andrea Sheehy, who went to Lourdes as a young adult helper. She credits her time in Lourdes with inspiring her to work in childcare and to do a masters degree in special education.
Being a volunteer young adult helper on the pilgrimage was also a life-changing experience for Grace Dineen, she says.
“The days are fairly full and we work flat-out helping. But the day flies and there’s also time for some great craic and social time, too.”
"Those of us who have been to Lourdes have experienced something that draws us back,” (Fr Damian O’Mahony)
“Over the years, I have met some great friends on the pilgrimage, from among the assisted pilgrims and all the helpers,” (David Sheehy)
Lourdes Information Meeting
Excitement is building as planning is underway for the September 2023 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The first of two information evenings was held in Cork and here is a reminder for the second evening:
Fri March 24th 8.00pm
Clonakilty Parish Centre, Western Rd., Clonakilty
P85 P793
Next to Clonakilty Parish Church
Location Map to Clonakilty Parish Centre
The sign-up lists are opening for hundreds of people from the diocese to take part is this year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Bishop Fintan Gavin will lead the Cork and Ross Lourdes Pilgrimage this September.
People who want to find our more about what’s involved are invited to attend one of two launch and information evenings.
The two free events are:
Wed March 22nd 7.30 pm
SMA Community Centre, Wilton, Cork T12 AX94
Next to St Joseph’s Church Wilton
Location Map to SMA Community Centre
and
Fri March 24th 8.00pm
Clonakilty Parish Centre, Western Rd., Clonakilty
P85 P793
Next to Clonakilty Parish Church
Location Map to Clonakilty Parish Centre
Lourdes Pilgrimage - September 2023
Cork and Ross Lourdes Pilgrimage 2023 Young Adult Invite
Lourdes PilgrimageThe annual collection for the Diocesan Sick/Assisted Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund will be taken up at all Masses on 11th/12th February next
The Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage will take place from Friday 22nd September to Wednesday 27th September this year.
People are encouraged to join the Diocesan Pilgrimage as helpers, nurses and doctors to assist pilgrims in Lourdes. Further details can be found here Pilgrimages to Lourdes or from
The proceeds of this collection cover the organisational costs of the pilgrimage and the travel costs for helpers and professional carers.
There has always been great support towards the Diocesan Pilgrimage Fund financially and your support on 11th/12th February is much appreciated.
The Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 22nd - Wednesday 27th September 2023.
Further details are available by e-mail from
Information will be available from Joe Walsh Tours (01 2410800).
Cost: €849 to €899 with a choice of hotels.
People, families and parishes throughout the Diocese are invited to travel to Lourdes with the Diocese in 2023. Those who may wish to travel as helpers, nurses or doctors to assist pilgrims in Lourdes should contact
Frs. Charlie Kiely, Damian O’Mahony and Marius O’Reilly will co-ordinate the pilgrimage in 2023. Bishop Fintan has expressed his gratitude to Canon Jim O’Donovan for his dedication and hard work as pilgrimage director over many years.
The Grotto at LourdesPilgrimages
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