Diocese of East Anglia Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026

As part of the Catholic Association, the East Anglian pilgrims joined hundreds of others from across the UK. Assisted pilgrims, young people, families, clergy, religious and volunteers formed a community united in faith. This sense of fellowship could be seen everywhere: in the busy Accueil, at the peaceful Grotto and in the conversation and friendship shared over meals.

Assisted pilgrims were cared for with great kindness by nurses, doctors and helpers. Many spoke of how supported and loved they felt throughout the week. Lourdes shows the Church at her best, serving others with dignity and joy, and the volunteers demonstrated this beautifully.

The CA Youth Section brought wonderful energy to the pilgrimage. Whether pushing wheelchairs, singing at Mass or performing small acts of kindness, its members showed how joyful faith can be. Their presence was a sign of hope.

Saturday began with the Gathering Mass, during which the hands of helpers were anointed for their service in the week ahead.

Sunday brought the International Mass in the Underground Basilica, attended by 25,000 pilgrims, followed later by the Blessed Sacrament Procession. The procession can be watched online. That evening, the East Anglian pilgrims gathered for a joyful welcome reception, during which they also celebrated two special birthdays.

On Monday, the Diocesan Mass was celebrated in the Crypt Chapel, just above the Grotto. After Mass, the group gathered for a photograph and Bishop Peter blessed the diocesan candle. It was later placed in the Candle Chapel to burn for the intentions of the pilgrims and all those who had asked for their prayers.

Tuesday marked the 125th anniversary of the CA Pilgrimage, celebrated with Mass and the Anointing of the Sick at the Bois Saint-François. Everyone present received an Apostolic Blessing before gathering for a festive meal. That evening, the diocesan pilgrimage group led the Torchlight Procession.

Wednesday included Mass at the Grotto and a moving Reconciliation Service. Many pilgrims found moments of healing and peace as they stood where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, praying for loved ones and for strength and hope.

Thursday, the final full day, included the Water Gesture and, for some, the opportunity to take part in the full-immersion baths, which have now resumed following their suspension during the Covid pandemic. The pilgrimage concluded with the Children’s Mass of Thanksgiving, filled with joyful singing, including an unforgettable rendition of “Rise and Shine!”

Lourdes is a place where faith becomes visible. The Torchlight Procession, with thousands of candles illuminating the night, reminds pilgrims that faith is shared rather than hidden.

Hearing the Rosary prayed in many languages and seeing pilgrims from around the world demonstrated the beautiful unity of the Church. Lourdes is a place where differences fade and hearts draw closer together.

The pilgrims returned to East Anglia grateful for the peace of Lourdes, the friendships formed, the generosity of the volunteers and the gentle presence of Mary, who always leads us to Christ. Many came home strengthened, comforted and renewed in faith.

The Diocese of East Anglia warmly invites pilgrims to join its next pilgrimage to Lourdes from August 20 to 27, 2027.

Whether you have visited many times or are considering coming for the first time, you will be warmly welcomed. Lourdes is for anyone seeking peace, healing, renewal or simply a deeper awareness of God’s love.

Assisted pilgrims will be cared for with compassion and dignity. Young people will discover how service can transform their faith, while families will experience a week of prayer, joy and togetherness. Anyone who is curious will find a place of welcome and grace.

Travelling once again with the Catholic Association, the 2027 pilgrimage will offer community, prayer, service and the opportunity to step away from daily life and enter a place where heaven feels close.

Pilgrimage is a step of faith and a choice to open one’s heart to God’s grace. Lourdes has a way of giving pilgrims what they did not know they needed: peace, courage, healing or simply the joy of knowing that they are loved.

If you feel even a small pull towards Lourdes, trust it. Perhaps Our Lady is inviting you. Perhaps Christ has something waiting for you there.

Come as you are, with your hopes, burdens, questions and gratitude. Lourdes welcomes them all, and so do we.

For more information, contact Deacon Huw Williams at Huw.Williams@RCDEA.org.uk or leave a message on 07399 163718.