East Anglia pilgrims have a wonderful week in Lourdes

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East Anglia pilgrims have a wonderful week in Lourdes

Almost 100 pilgrims from East Anglia returned from a wonderful week in Lourdes on August 31, once again led by Bishop Alan Hopes, reports pilgrimage director, Deacon John Morrill. 


They were part of a group of more than 500 pilgrims from several dioceses and organisations. Amongst the pilgrims were doctors, nurses and a variety of other workers including more young helpers than for many years from the sixth forms of Notre Dame High School, St Edmunds School in Bury and St Mary’s School in Cambridge.

They travelled with many able-bodied pilgrims and, most importantly, those with chronic or acute health and mobility issues, who are at the very centre of all that happens at Lourdes.

Along with all the many daily liturgies and activities, Bishop Alan introduced a new procession with a (very!) large candle which travelled from the Crowned Statue of the Virgin to the area almost opposite the grotto (where it all began) and where candles are displayed. It is a candle that would burn for many days to represent the prayers of all the pilgrims from and for our diocese.

Pictured above is the East Anglia group and, above, Bishop Alan laying on hands in prayer.

Below, Fr Simon Blakesley from East Anglia is the Director of the Catholic Association Lourdes Pilgrimage. He gives his views on Lourdes and how the pilgrimage was going

Mgr Tony Rogers from East Anglia, gives the homily at the Final Mass, below

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