Following our recent story on Worcester parishioner Frank Tota, cycling 800 miles to join the Diocesan Pilgrimage in Lourdes, he has begun sharing reflections from the first stages of his journey.

From the encouragement of fellow parishioners and a moving send-off at St George’s, to the first miles on the road and moments of prayer along the way, his updates offer a personal glimpse into the faith, memories and experiences shaping this remarkable pilgrimage.

Saturday 2 May

Lunch with Lourdes pilgrims from St George's. I was invited to share lunch with my friends before I set off for Lourdes on Tuesday 5th May.

Simone, John and Bill will be sharing the Lourdes pilgrimage with me and they wanted to wish me well and promised to pray for me on my sponsored cycle ride.

I will be leaving for Lourdes on Tuesday 5th May after attending 10am Mass with my wife Sue at St George's. I will ask the presiding priest to bless me and my bike for the journey.

I will then cycle to the shrine of Blessed Edward Oldcorne to ask for his prayers of intercession for a safe journey.

Sunday 3 May

I received a blessing during refreshments after 08.45 Mass from our wonderful parishioners.

Tuesday 5 May: Day One of my cycling pilgrimage to Lourdes 
Worcester to Marlborough 

Sue and I went to 10am Mass at St George's and at the end of the service Father Pat kindly gave me and my bike a blessing for the pilgrimage. He told the congregation that in times past, pilgrims going to Rome would be blessed, along with their rucksacks and staffs.

I was feeling very emotional and even more so when the congregation came to wish me God speed. I promised to pray for everyone at Lourdes.

Doctor Charlie Docker, the Chief Medical Officer for the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes joined us for Mass in order to pray for a safe journey. This gesture made me feel very special.

Sue and I then went to the shrine of Blessed Edward Oldcorne to ask for his intercession and protection. After kissing Sue goodbye, I set off. I arrived in Marlborough at 18.30. I thank the Good Lord and all those who are praying for my safe travel.

Day Two, Wednesday 6 May cycling pilgrimage to Lourdes. 
Marlborough to Portsmouth 

Perfect weather for cycling. The Wiltshire countryside is beautiful and Google maps took me through some picturesque villages.

I arrived in Portsmouth at 18.30 and booked into an Ibis hotel which is only a short walk from Fraton Park, home to the mighty Portsmouth FC.

Lots of very happy memories are coming to mind, as Portsmouth is the city where Sue and I met whilst teaching at St John's RC  primary school in Landport. We are still in touch with the parents and children from the school. It was a huge privilege to teach at the school for 14 years.

We were married in St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth and the wonderful Canon Declan celebrated our nuptial Mass.