More than 7,000 pilgrims from the UK and Ireland visited Lourdes in
July, just weeks after devastating floods inundated the the region,
wrecking bridges and swamping roads and buildings with mud. Thanks to a massive clean-up operation by hundreds of volunteer helpers, Masses were resumed at the Grotto within two days of the flood and the entire Domain was open to pilgrims days afterwards.
While the Underground Basilica, a footbridge and several hotels are still out of use, pilgrims were accommodated in other hotels and all the pilgrimage services took place - although some were in different venues from usual.
One highlight was a Mass celebrated in Lourdes parish church, where St Bernadette was baptised.
More than 700 Pilgrims from the Diocese of Westminster travelled to Lourdes from 21-27 July. The theme of their 24th annual pilgrimage was: ‘Lourdes: A doorway to faith’.
The most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, who led the pilgrimage, presented a generous donation to Bishop Nicholas Brouwet of Tarbes and Lourdes in support of the work of restoration.
The Archbishop said: “The Pilgrimage to Lourdes has been nothing less than inspiring. We return having grown in faith and in love of Jesus with his mother Mary as our teacher. But we have also experienced this faith and love in a town that until very recently was struggling under devastating floods. The thousands of people who love Lourdes and have volunteered their time and effort is a remarkable witness to a solidarity based upon this same faith and love. Lourdes is so important to them in their faith journey through life.”
In the week of the Diocese of Westminster pilgrimage, they were joined by Diocese of Brentwood and the Diocese of Shrewsbury for Mass at the Grotto.