Pilgrimage to Lourdes: A Time of Prayer and Fellowship

Parishioners from St Michael the Archangel, Huntingdon, embarked on their third annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, setting off from the church on the morning of 23 June 2025. 

The group of 22 pilgrims was led by parish priest, Fr Philip Shryane. While most were from Huntingdon, the group also included Fr Tony — Fr Philip’s brother — and four others from outside the parish.

Travelling via Stansted, the group arrived safely in Lourdes, transferring to the Hotel Irlande in time for dinner and the beautiful evening Rosary torchlight procession, an experience that set a prayerful tone for the days ahead.

On Tuesday, the pilgrims gathered for their only private group Mass in the Chapel of St Maximilian Kolbe, a particularly special occasion. Afterwards, as the Domain was still quiet, they were able to walk through the Grotto, placing petitions and praying for their own intentions as well as for the needs of the parish.

In the afternoon, Fr Philip led a walking tour of Lourdes for those who wished to join, visiting significant sites linked to St Bernadette, including the Boly Mill, where her family once lived; the Cachot, the former debtors’ prison where they were staying at the time of the Apparitions; and the Parish Church where Bernadette was baptised. Some pilgrims also took part in the Blessed Sacrament Procession before everyone gathered again for the Rosary Procession in the evening.

Wednesday saw the group attend the weekday International Mass in the Underground Basilica, celebrated by the Archbishop of Majorca. The liturgy, mostly in Spanish, offered a sense of the universal Church gathered in prayer. The afternoon was left free for rest, shopping, or quiet reflection, particularly welcome in the heat of the day. Many pilgrims joined the Blessed Sacrament Procession once more. Unfortunately, the evening Rosary Procession was cancelled due to forecasts of severe thunderstorms. Undeterred, the group found shelter under the entrance to the St Bernadette Church across the river from the Grotto and prayed the Rosary together. Happily, the anticipated storm never arrived.

On Thursday, the final day, pilgrims rose early to join an Irish Dominican pilgrimage for Mass at the Grotto at 6.45am. The Mass was celebrated by the Dominican Provincial, Fr John Harris OP, who warmly welcomed the group and made special mention of Fr Philip, congratulating him on his Golden Jubilee of Ordination, to be celebrated the following Saturday.

After Mass and breakfast, pilgrims prayed the Stations of the Cross. Fr Philip led most of the group up the High Stations, while Fr Tony guided a smaller group around the Stations on the Prairie. Following lunch at the hotel, the pilgrims departed for the airport, arriving home safely by about 8.00pm.

It was a grace-filled and prayerful pilgrimage enjoyed by all, strengthening bonds of faith and fellowship.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

St Bernadette, pray for us.

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