Cork and Ross Lourdes Pilgrimage Group 2026

After five days of prayer, walking in the footsteps of St. Bernadette and sharing in the life of Lourdes, our Diocese of Cork and Ross pilgrims are making their way home today.

As we say goodbye to Lourdes, we give thanks for all that we have experienced together. From our celebrations of Mass and moments of prayer at the Grotto to the friendships formed and the kindness shown to one another, these past few days have given us memories that will remain with us long after we return home. As important as those memories are, Bishop Fintan encouraged us to bring more than just memories home: “We are called to return home changed in some way by what we have experienced here. Perhaps more attentive to somebody who needs us. More willing to make time for prayer. More patient. More ready to forgive. More conscious of the person who is lonely or struggling. More willing to speak about our faith and about the hope that Christ gives us. More willing to get involved in my parish or the diocese. He continued, “Our mission does not necessarily begin with anything dramatic. It begins in our homes, our parishes and Families of Parishes, our schools and workplaces, among our friends and the people we meet each day.”

This morning, we gathered for Mass at the Grotto, a celebration at the heart of our Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes. In the place where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette, and where countless pilgrims have come with their burdens and hopes, we gathered as part of that great procession of faith, carrying with us the prayers of our families, friends, parishes and Families of Parishes across the diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan invited us to reflect not only on what we had brought to Lourdes, but also on what we would take home with us: “We are being sent back to Cork and Ross carrying something of what we have received here – the faith and simplicity of Bernadette, the tenderness of Mary, the friendship we have shared with one another and, above all, a renewed awareness of the presence and love of Jesus Christ.”

Lourdes Grotto Mass 2026

Mass with the Anointing of the Sick

Our third day in Lourdes was a reminder of why so many people come to this special place, seeking comfort in times of suffering, strength in times of uncertainty and a renewed sense of hope.

The morning began with an alternative Stations of the Cross held indoors due to restrictions in preparation for the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Our student and young adult helpers processed with the Stations, bringing each one forward to the Pilgrim Cross, blessed by Archdeacon Kerry Murphy O’Connor in 2014, as a reminder that we can bring our pain and worries to Jesus who offers us the hope of healing and new life.

Fr. Charlie Kiely led pilgrims on a walking tour in the footsteps of St. Bernadette to learn more about Bernadette and the way in which God chose her to share Our Lady’s message with the world.

The second day of the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes brought pilgrims together for a day of prayer and reflection, culminating in the Candlelight Rosary Procession, led by our diocese.

The morning began with the International Mass at the St. Pius X Underground Basilica, where our pilgrims joined thousands of people from across the world in celebrating the Eucharist. Many pilgrims remarked on how moving it was to see people from across the world, speaking different languages and coming from different cultures, united in prayer. It was a powerful reminder of the universal Church and the faith that connects us.

Later in the day, pilgrims gathered at Côté Carmel for a moving Penitential Service. Amid the busyness of the pilgrimage, this was an important opportunity for personal reflection, reconciliation and an encounter with God’s love and mercy.

Cork and Ross had the honour of leading the Candlelight Rosary Procession tonight