Thursday 24 July marked the first official day of the archdiocese’s 2025 pilgrimage to Lourdes.

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Over 1,200 pilgrims from the archdiocese travelled to Lourdes on various modes of transport including planes, coach, ferries, trains and a jumbulance.

After arriving in Lourdes the youth, who travelled on seven coaches leaving from various points across the archdiocese, explored the town before the youth opening Mass.

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During the Mass, the youth had their hands blessed ahead of their work with the sick.

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The assisted pilgrims arrived safely and settled into their accommodation for the week with the help of the hospitalite team – a 135 strong team which includes medical staff.  Pilgrims attended Mass at St Joseph’s Chapel.

A full itinerary of the week is here: 2025 Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Everything you need to know | News