In a few days’ time hundreds of pilgrims from across the Archdiocese of Birmingham will journey to Lourdes.

This year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage, the 84th to Lourdes, starts on Monday (25) under the leadership of His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Evans.

Around 570 pilgrims are taking part in this year’s spiritual journey, embracing the theme "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

Amongst the party there are more than 30 Assisted Pilgrims (our VIPs) who need extra support to participate fully in the pilgrimage.

Many of our VIPs will be staying in the Accueil - which means welcome in French and is the specially provisioned accommodation for assisted pilgrims at the Sanctuary of Lourdes.

Thanks to several secondary schools across the Archdiocese many staff and pupils have given up their half-term holiday to answer God’s call to serve others in Lourdes.

Representatives from Bishop Ullathorne, Bishop Walsh, Blessed George Napier, Cardinal Newman (Coventry), Hagley Catholic High, Our Lady & St Chad's, Painsley Catholic College, St Edmund’s, St Edmund Campion, St Francis of Assisi, St John Fisher, St Joseph's College, Stuart Bathurst, Bishop Milner, St Thomas Aquinas and St Thomas More Catholic Academy will all be in attendance next week.

There is an 80-strong team of clinical staff and non-medical helpers, and around 20 members of the clergy, plus members of the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT). All volunteering their time and expertise to ensure the Pilgrimage is a success.

Also joining our pilgrimage family this year will be representatives of Stella Maris, (Apostleship of the Sea).

We are also very lucky to be on Pilgrimage in May, as the Lourdes Sanctuary is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the coronation of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Throughout Mary’s month pilgrims are invited to take part in a very special crown. Not a crown of gold, but a crown of flowers – yellow carnations. Each flower placed becomes a prayer, an intention. Give a flower to Our Lady of Lourdes

Please pray for our pilgrims next week, as they will be praying for you.

Follow the Pilgrimage daily here and by using the hashtag #Brum2Lourdes on social media.

Photograph: Marian (Torchlight) Procession, Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025