Welcome to the Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026!
Archdiocese link: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/lourdes-daily
Before travelling in Parish Newsletter from Fr Tom:
We will be travelling to Lourdes from Monday to Saturday and will remember you all in our prayers. There are 35 parishioners, along with 25 from the Youth Group, so a good group from the parish. Please let us have the last of any Lourdes Petitions by Sunday evening and I will bring them to the Shrine. Just place your petition in an envelope marked “Lourdes Petitions”. There is no need to enclose any donations.
Monday 25 May 2026 – Day 1
Arrival day, with hundreds of pilgrims travelling by three coaches and two flights throughout the day. Around 570 pilgrims from across the Archdiocese are making the journey. Mass was held in the afternoon for those who had already arrived, in the Rosary Basilica.
Tuesday 26 May 2026 – Day 2
Grotto Mass. Today the Opening Mass at the Grotto was celebrated alongside pilgrims from the Diocese of Middlesbrough, whose Bishop, Marcus Stock, was principal celebrant. Archbishop Bernard Longley delivered the Homily. Reconciliation Service. The Reconciliation Service in the afternoon was held at the Underground Basilica of St Pius X and we again celebrated with fellow pilgrims from the Diocese of Middlesbrough, whose clergy led the service and provided musical accompaniment. Torchlight Procession. Every night in Lourdes pilgrims gather to take part in the Marian procession, praying the rosary together as we walk, carrying candles as darkness falls. Our young pilgrims led the procession with banners from across the Archdiocese.
Wednesday 27 May 2026 – Day 3
The International Mass was celebrated at the Underground Basilica of St Pius X. Clergy from the Archdiocese of Birmingham concelebrated at the Mass, and pilgrims delivered Bidding Prayers, and taking part in the Offertory and processing with diocesan flags. Diocesan Photograph. Taken at each pilgrimage by the professional photographers at Lourdes. Youth Vigil. The Youth Vigil was held at St Bernadette (Carmel side). Bishop Timothy Menezes opened the gathering and thanked all the young pilgrims for the work they are doing whilst in Lourdes.
Thursday 28 May 2026 – Day 4
Holy Mass – Hospitalite. This morning’s Mass was held at St Bernadette (Grotto) and was an opportunity to celebrate the continuing work of the Birmingham Lourdes Hospitalite. Fr Jeremy Howard, Pilgrimage Director, opened with some initial reflections, including remembering Lourdes pilgrims who have passed away. The Homily was delivered by Bishop David Evans. Holy Hour and Anointing. A very moving service was held this afternoon at St Bernadette (Carmel). The principal celebrant was Bishop Richard Walker and Bishop Timothy Menezes delivered a Reflection.
Friday 29 May 2026 – Day 5
Closing Mass. This morning the Closing Mass of the Pilgrimage was held at St Bernadette (Grotto) and celebrated by Bishop David Evans. Archbishop Bernard Longley gave today’s Homily. Stations of the Cross – In the afternoon our Assisted Pilgrims, and others, had the chance to follow the way of the cross in the Underground Basilica. Blessed Sacrament Procession. Held in the Underground Basilica this evening due to the continuing hot weather.
Saturday 30 May – Day 6
Departure Day. Holy Mass was due to be celebrated in the Underground Basilica of St Pius X by Fr Craig Szmidt, Diocesan Vocations Director, in the morning for those able to attend.
Post return from Fr Tom:
Our pilgrimage to Lourdes went very well and we remembered you all in prayer. The young people from the parish were a great credit and were generous in their help for the sick pilgrims.
Photographs from Pilgrimage 2026
Diocesan Group Photo
Young Irish dancers dancing for the hospital patients in Lourdes
Young people from Christ the King praying the Stations of the Cross. Some of the youth chose to walk the route in bare feet. Very moving experience for all.
