DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2025 – UPDATE
The 2025 pilgrimage was a great success, enjoyed by all.
Despite the French air traffic control strike affecting our outbound journey, we arrived safely in Lourdes, tired, but in great spirits and ready to participate in both the religious and social elements of our 6-day programme. Thanks to Tangney Tours for their support and professionalism.
Feedback from pilgrims included:
What did you enjoy most?
“Meeting fellow pilgrims and school helpers and finding a deeper understanding of my faith”
“The youth were amazing; their care of the assisted pilgrims was astounding. They are a credit to their schools”
“Spiritual enrichment”
“Variety of events and good balance between organised events and downtime”
“Hearing different clergy preach”
The money raised through fundraising was greatly appreciated and helped towards the c£15000 costs of running the pilgrimage, including:
Diocesan candle
Uniforms for volunteers
Training programmes for volunteers
Planning and preparation days
Handbooks
Medical supplies, including special beds, hoists and other speciality equipment
Clinical supplies
Many thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time to support those who need assistance and to those who need assistance – thank you for placing your trust in others and allowing them the grace to serve you.
We look forward to welcoming pilgrims, both new and old to the 2026 pilgrimage.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Friday 3rd – Thursday 9th July 2026
The next annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 3rd – Thursday 9th July 2026.
The pilgrimage is led by Bishop Marcus Stock and is being organised through Tangney Tours
The first Leeds Diocesan Pilgrimage started in 1928. Only two diocesan groups predate us, Liverpool and Salford.
The pilgrimage provides us with a unique opportunity to gather as a Diocese with our Bishop, to pray and journey together in faith. It is a time to stand apart from the rigours of life and seek the peace, healing, and grace which a pilgrimage experience can afford.
Pilgrims come from all parts of the Diocese and beyond. In Lourdes we encounter pilgrims from all over the world.
Our assisted pilgrims, those who may be elderly, frail, or dependent are supported by our own team of willing volunteers, including doctors, nurses, other allied health professionals and many others with different backgrounds and experiences.
All volunteers are self-funding and give up their own time to support those who are less able. They serve in a spirit inspired by love of God and love of neighbour.
Our schools make up a large part of our pilgrimage group, with around 300 young students from Years 10 and 12, who support the assisted pilgrims with wheelchair pushing, good company and friendship.
The pilgrimage meets all Catholic Safeguarding requirements and fully implements the legislation, ensuring the well-being and safe care for all those in need.
Important Dates…
Meet the Pilgrims and Teams – Hinsley Hall – Coffee Afternoon
Nurses will be available to complete nursing assessments for pilgrims who need support and there will be an opportunity to ask questions
ALL WELCOME – please join us
Pre-departure Mass
Saturday 7th June at 11:30 at St. Anne’s Cathedral, Leeds followed by refreshments in the Wheeler Hall.
All Welcome
(Disabled access parking bays can be pre-booked online, at Q-Park at The Light Car Park, opposite the Cathedral)
Information Evening
Monday 24th February 2025 6pm – 7pm
