Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Order in Britain has just returned from their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, joining thousands of members of the Order and hospital pilgrims from around the world.

The pilgrimage, led by the Grand Prior, Fra’ Max Rumney, and the President of the British Association, Lady Celestria Hales, assisted by the Pilgrimage Chaplain, Fr Stephen Morrison O.Praem., commenced with Holy Mass on Saturday 4 May, concluding with Mass of the Vigil of the Ascension on Wednesday 8 May, with one day travelling either side.

One of our first-time attendees, Rafael, reflected on his experience of the pilgrimage:

“Returning from Lourdes, I took some time to reflect on what had been an unforgettable experience for me during this remarkable spiritual journey.

When I initially booked the trip to Lourdes, I was apprehensive and lacked awareness of the extent of its commitment or its potential significance for my personal growth. I persuaded two close friends, Ben and Bob, who are both Companions of the Order—Ben, a doctor working in an A&E, and Bob, who runs a home care company—to join me . They readily agreed, reassuring me that I would have their support should any issues arise during the pilgrimage.

I recognised many familiar faces among the fellow pilgrims, some of whom I knew from the Order's Conventual Masses and Recollections, or from its work with the homeless in London, either the Companions Café in Spanish Place or the Breakfast Club in Golden Square. We were divided into teams to take turns caring for our hospital pilgrims, united in our shared goal of ensuring the guests felt loved and cared for. Through helping and assisting guests, I certainly learned more about mutual dependency and reminded me that the ultimate person in control of life is God.

One aspect of Lourdes was meeting members of and volunteers for the Order from around the world, including many who had previously passed through London and worked with us here. I encountered friends from Spain, Cuba, the USA, Malta, Italy, France, and Switzerland, all of whom had previously volunteered with us at the Companions Cafe.

The moment which touched me the most was having the opportunity to guide thousands of pilgrims during our candlelit procession to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, tracing the steps of Saint Bernadette, myself and our pilgrimage group carrying the cross, torches and even the statute of Our Blessed Lady.

All in all, my only regret is not having visited Lourdes earlier in life. The lessons learned and the friendships forged during this pilgrimage will undoubtedly remain with me, enriching my life and deepening my faith. I look forward to returning next year.”