Pilgrimage Itinerary
Tuesday 22nd May /
11.00hrs Check in at Dublin airport for our Aer Lingus flight EI506 in Bordeaux. Coach transfer to the 4 Hotel Astrid and check in for 4 nights on a full board basis.~Hotel Astrid +33562440088 ~~
Wednesday 23rd May/
09.15 Leave Hotel for 9.30 Mass in the lower Dolors..After Mass we will have an orientation tour of the Sanctuary area. Drink from the spring near the Grotto. The original spring that Bernadette located is still visible, protected by a glass cover and illuminated by a light. Group photo. . After Lunch we take a walking tour to the Boly Mill, where Bernadette was born, and to the Cachot, an abandoned prison where Bernadette's family lived. Dinner in your hotel. After Dinner participate in the evening torchlight procession.~~As early as 18th February 1858, the day of the third Apparition, one of the two people accompanying Bernadette had carried a candle. After this, Bernadette herself always came with a candle. The iconic Lourdes Torchlight Procession, known throughout the world, was introduced in Lourdes in 1863 by Father Marie-Antoine, a Capuchin also known as the �Saint of Toulouse'. The Marian Procession is the most popular celebration in Lourdes.~~During the Procession, and depending on the day, the pilgrims recite the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful or Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. At the beginning of each decade, a few words in several languages give direction to the prayer so that it does not become a monotonous repetition. The Ave Maria and other hymns can be heard in many languages. In the serenity of the evening, each pilgrim carries his or her own personal intentions as the prayer gathers the assembly �of all nations, people and languages� with the Virgin Mary, like the disciples in the Cenacle after the Ascension of Christ. The procession always takes place regardless of the weather.~~
Thursday 24th May /
8.30 English Mass at the Grotto Following Mass your guide will take you to the Low Stations of the Cross. Afternoon free. After Dinner participate in the evening torchlight procession. ~~
Friday 25th May/
Morning free to visit to the Baths of Lourdes, a focal point of the sanctuary, filled with the"healing" spring water of Lourdes. Immerse yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous healing's have taken place. "Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself there!� these words of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette during one of the Apparitions inspired the creation of the Baths near the Grotto in which the pilgrims are immersed. Lunch at the Hotel. Afternoon optional visit to Bartres for Mass at 3pm. Evening lighting of our group candle. After Dinner participate in the evening torchlight procession. ~~
Saturday 26th May/
Mass 9.00 lower Dolores. 11:30 coach departs hotel for transfer to Toulouse airport for our return Aer Lingus flight EI533 back to Dublin. Check-in at 13.40 for a departure of 15.40, arriving back in Dublin at 16.55. ~~
*It is our intention to follow the itinerary as outlined above, however due to many factors like local holidays, traffic or weather conditions it may be necessary to make changes to the order of events or even the cancelation of certain events.
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