East Anglia Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026

You are warmly invited to Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous and where countless pilgrims have encountered Christ’s healing love. This is far more than travel; it is a true pilgrimage, where an outward journey becomes an inward transformation.

See what took place last year:

https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/virtual-pilgrimage-2025

The Timeless Spiritual Significance of Lourdes

From 2026, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes begins a new three-year spiritual journey inspired by the Gospel according to Saint Luke. These three years invite pilgrims to walk with Mary through her faith, her hope and her praise. The year 2026 stands at the threshold of the Annunciation, where it all began.

Opportunities During the Pilgrimage

• Visit the Grotto of Massabielle. Pilgrims may touch the rock and pray at the site of the 1858 apparitions.

• The Water Gesture. Drink from and wash at the fountains, or take part in the traditional guided immersion baths, which have limited availability.

• Processions. Join the Torchlight Marian Procession and the Blessed Sacrament Procession.

• Light a candle in the chapels near the Grotto.

• Mass and Confession. Mass is celebrated daily in several languages and priests are available for confession.

• Pray the Stations of the Cross along the hillside overlooking the Sanctuary.

Places of Prayer Within the Sanctuary

• The Grotto of Massabielle

• The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica)

• The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

• The Basilica of St Pius X

• The The Crypt of Lourdes, the first place of worship on the site

• The Church of Saint Bernadette

• The Accueil Notre-Dame, supporting visiting sick pilgrims

Other Activities

• Volunteer in practical service to assisted pilgrims.

• Follow in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette, including a visit to the Le Cachot, where she lived at the time of the apparitions.

• Visit the Lourdes Medical Bureau Museum and learn about recognised miracles.

A Pilgrimage of Service. Your Vocation on This Journey

A distinctive feature of the East Anglia pilgrimage is our care for Assisted Pilgrims, who are at the heart of our diocesan group.

We particularly welcome:

• Youth volunteers to assist pilgrims with mobility needs, an unforgettable experience of Christian service

• Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, able to offer gentle medical support

• Companions willing to push wheelchairs, offer a steady arm and share Christ’s love through practical care

This service transforms the pilgrimage for everyone involved. As one former youth volunteer reflected, “I came to help others, but I received far more than I gave.”

Find out more about roles:

https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/roles

Practical Support for Your Journey

Financial limitations should never prevent a pilgrim from responding to this invitation.

• Financial assistance may be available for those who need support.

For further information, please contact:

Deacon Huw Williams, Lourdes Pilgrimage Director for East Anglia

huw.williams@rcdea.org.uk | 07399 163718

Your Next Step

Whether you come seeking physical healing, spiritual renewal, or the opportunity to serve others, Lourdes offers grace for every heart.

“Go, drink at the spring and wash yourself there.” Our Lady’s words to Bernadette now extend to you.

Register your interest here:

https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/join2026

Come to the Grotto. Encounter Mary. Meet Christ. Return transformed.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

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