Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Lourdes - 27th September
Check-in at Dublin airport for flight to Lourdes. Take a coach transfer to the Hotel in Lourdes and check in for 2 nights on a full board basis. Dinner at hotel. Take part in the evening Rosary and Torchlight procession at 9pm

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�.

Day 2 - Walking Tour in Lourdes - 28th September
Morning Mass, followed by introductory talk about the Sanctuary area. Lunch. This afternoon take a walking tour to the Boly Mill, Cachot, Hospice, Parish Church and Cemetery. Take part in the Blessed Sacrament Procession at 5pm in the underground Basilicia. Dinner. Evening Torchlight procession 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.

Day 3 - Rocamadour - 29th September
Morning Mass before departing for Rocamadour and check into the hotel for 1 night, dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 4 - Rocamadour & Nevers - 30th September
Spend the morning in this old monastic city - visit the Cathedral, Church of Our Lady for Mass and see the Miraculous Bell, and statue of the Black Madonna, churches of St Blaise and St Michael, and tomb of St Amadour. This afternoon drive to Nevers and check into Hotel for 1 night, dinner, bed & breakfast

Day 5 - Nevers & Paris at night - 1st October
Celebrate Mass this morning at the convent of St Gildard beside the body of St Bernadette. Visit the infirmary where she died, the Museum and walk in her footsteps in the convent gardens. This afternoon drive to Paris and check into the hotel for 2 nights, dinner, bed & breakfast. After dinner, there will be an optional cruise on river Seine (�20).

Day 6 - Paris - 2nd October
This morning celebrate Mass at the shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac and nearby visit the shrine of St Vincent de Paul. Our panoramic sightseeing tour of the highlights of Paris include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomph, Champs Elysees, Louvre and Les Invalides.

Day 7 - Lisieux - 3rd October
Morning drive to Lisieux for Mass in the Carmel chapel of St Therese. Afternoon visit Les Buisonnettes where St Therese lived and the great Basilica dedicated to her. Check into hotel for 1 night dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 8 - Honfleur & Depart - 4th October
Morning visit to Honfleur a city in northern France's Normandy region. It's on the estuary where the Seine river meets the English Channel. The Vieux-Bassin (old harbor), lined with 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, has been a subject for artists including Claude Monet and native son Eug�ne Boudin. Nearby is 15th-century St. Catherine's Church, a vaulted timber structure erected by shipbuilders, where we will celebrate our last Mass. Free time in this lovely fishing town with lovely walks along the harbour. Mid afternoon depart for Charles DeGaulle airport for Aer Lingus flight to Dublin departing at 22:00hrs and arriving in Dublin at 22:45hrs.