Tuesday 26 May 2026 Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Mass Today the Opening Mass at the Grotto was celebrated alongside pilgrims from the Diocese of Middlesbrough, whose Bishop, Marcus Stock, was principal celebrant. Archbishop Bernard Longley delivered the Homily: He let his glory be seen and his disciples believed in him. For many of us this morning - and that includes all the Birmingham pilgrims - we are celebrating the Opening Mass of our pilgrimage to Lourdes. It is a great blessing for us to be together again this year with the Middlesbrough diocesan pilgrims and to share the sanctuary here with the Middlesbrough clergy, with dear Bishop John Crowley and with Bishop Marcus Stock - recalling his long personal association with Birmingham and praying for his new responsibilities in Middlesbrough and Hallam. Every pilgrimage to Lourdes is going to bring its measure of joyful surprises to the pilgrim filled with hope - and especially to those who are making this pilgrimage for the first time. Looking up at the grotto we can only imagine St Bernadette’s surprise at seeing Our Lady just here beside the River Gave. Whatever must have passed though her mind and her heart as she looked up at the vision of the beautiful lady? Read Homily in full The Mass was followed by the Accueil Passage through the Grotto, enabling our assisted pilgrims a private moment in the Grotto. Grotto Mass Livestream Replay Photo Gallery - Grotto Mass and Passage through the Grotto Reconciliation Service The Reconciliation Service in the afternoon was held at the Underground Basilica of St Pius X and we again celebrated with fellow pilgrims from the Diocese of Middlesbrough, whose clergy led the service and provided musical accompaniment. During the Service hundreds of people took the opportunity to attend individual confession. Photo Gallery Torchlight Procession Every night in Lourdes pilgrims gather to take part in the Marian procession, praying the rosary together as we walk, carrying candles as darkness falls. Tonight our young pilgrims led the procession with banners from across the Archdiocese, and we walked together in prayer, answering Mary's call. Our Archbishop, Bernard Longley, together with Bishops David Evans, Timothy Menezes and Richard Walker, and our Clergy here in Lourdes, were also part of the procession - following directly behind a lit glass case enshrining a statue of Mary. Archbishop Bernard also led us in prayer and a blessing. Thousands of people from all over the world were part of tonight's procession and at least four dioceses, including Birmingham, were represented. Photo Gallery Watch! Start of the Torchlight Procession Watch! End of Torchlight Procession Manage Cookie Preferences