Pilgrimage Itinerary

Wednesday 9th February

Morning check in at Dublin airport for our Ryanair flight to Bordeaux. Upon arriving at Bordeaux airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your Marian Pilgrimages tour guide. You will embark on a scenic drive to Lourdes. Check-in to your 4 star hotel and relax or explore before dinner. After dinner, we can take a short walk down to the Sanctuary to observe the candlelight procession and to pray the Rosary.

Candlelight procession

The candlelight procession begins at 9pm each evening and is a very special part of our pilgrimage where all nations from around the world come together to unite in prayer. On the 18th February 1858, the day of the third Apparition, one of the two people accompanying Bernadette came carrying a candle. After this, Bernadette herself always came with a lit candle. It marks the beginning of this long historical event in Lourdes. During the Procession, and depending on the day, pilgrims recite one of the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful or Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. At the beginning of each decade, a few words in several languages are given to direct 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. At the end of an evening procession on the 14th August 1983, Pope John Paul II said, �In this peaceful night we keep watch, we pray, no longer in the secret of our hearts, but as a great crowd on the move, following the risen Jesus Christ, each one lighting the way for the other�.

Thursday 10th February

This morning we gather in the Basilica of St Pius X, for International Mass celebrating the Anniversary of St Bernadette's first apparitions. Group photo. After lunch we generally meet with our guide at our hotel to embark on the walking tour which follows in the footsteps of St Bernadette. We begin at the cemetery where her parents are buried and walk back in time to visit the Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette and the �Cachot� an abandoned prison where she and her impoverish family lived. During the walking tour we will hopefully get the sense of how the apparitions had such an impact on the family and this small village of Lourdes. After our walk we can take some free time to go back to the sanctuary area for some time of personal prayer before attending the blessing of the sick.After dinner we will take part in the evening programme as per the Sanctuary schedule which is optional for those who wish to attend the Rosary and the candlelight procession, beginning at 9pm.

Blessed Sacrament Procession

Each day at 5pm we will have an opportunity as pilgrims to walk with the Blessed Sacrament. The Blessed Sacrament reminds us all that Jesus is truly walking among us and that Our Lady is always drawing us back to her Son. The Procession starts in the Prairie of the Sanctuary and finishes in the Basilica of Saint Pius X in time for Adoration and Blessing of all Pilgrims. This is an optional part of the programme, and will generally not be accompanied by the guide.

Friday 11th February

After a restful night's sleep, we leave the hotel as a group and take a visit to the baths. After lunch there is an optional trip to Bartres which works out at approximately €15 per person return for the coach trip. Bernadette holds a special place for Bartres in her heart as it was where she stayed and studied the Catechism to prepare her to receive first Holy Communion. As a group we will celebrate Holy Mass in the chapel where Bernadette prayed. We shall return to our hotel for dinner at 7pm. After dinner this evening we again have an opportunity to take part in the evening programme as per the Sanctuary schedule.

Baths

The baths are a major highlight in Lourdes. Don't worry about feeling nervous. This is a very relaxing and stress-free time. It's a time to bring our intentions and needs to Our Lady and her Son. The baths are, for many, a place of physical and spiritual healing and a conversion of heart. (The baths may be very busy depending on the day or time and we may need to return on an alternative day. Our guide will advise the group of this.)

Saturday 12th February

We will begin today at the most sacred site at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the grotto where Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858. During our time at the Grotto we can walk in and around the Grotto area placing our hands on the grotto walls where the original spring is still visible. There is also an intentions box situated within the Grotto area where we can leave our intentions. After lunch we will meet up as a group at the Crown Virgin statue with our guide and participate in the High or Low stations of the cross. The high stations are life size figures which re-enact the passion of Christ. They are located at the top of the Rosary basilica hill and will take approximately 1.5hr to complete. The low stations are located across from the baths area and have been designed to facilitate anybody who may have any walking difficulties. Both the high and low stations are an opportunity to experience Christ's unconditional love for us all as we pray together on the passion through Our Lady's eyes. Once we have finished the stations we will take a visit to Cite St Pierre where will celebrate Mass together. After dinner we again have an opportunity to take part in the evening programme as per the Sanctuary schedule.

Lourdes Grotto

It was here while gathering wood that Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without any exchange of words. During one of Our Lady's visits to Bernadette, She announced herself saying �I am the Immaculate Conception�. Throughout the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasised God's love for us, penance and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners.

Sunday 13th February

Our day begins with a delicious breakfast in our hotel. After breakfast we will proceed to the candle area where we will light our group candle and pray for everyone's intentions on the pilgrimage. Return to our hotel for lunch. This afternoon will be free in Lourdes. After dinner we again have an opportunity to take part in the evening ceremonies.

Monday 14th February

Morning Mass before our transfer to Tarbes Airport for our return flight to Dublin with Ryanair departing at 13:05 and due in Dublin at 14:15.