[Established 1931]

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The party comprised a total of 37 with the Superior General, The Right Revd. Robert Ladds leading the Pilgrimage, assisted by Bishop Noel Jones, and 5-Priests – including Fr. Graeme Rowlands (Chaplain-General) who superbly organised every aspect of the week.   The travelling to and from France went very comfortably and smoothly, after one or two BA ticketing problems (in both directions) were satisfactorily resolved. As soon as we disembarked from the plane in Toulouse we were greeted by beautiful clear blue skies and warm sunshine which remained with us throughout the week.  The coach journeys between Toulouse and Lourdes enabled us to see some magnificent French countryside.   On arrival in Lourdes we stayed at the exceptionally nice, comfortable, and central Hotel: Jeanne D’Arc. The Lourdes theme for 2004 was “The Lord is my rock” and each day, obviously revolved around The Mass either in Lourdes or on our excursions.  

Tuesday, after the traditional taking of the group photograph, was occupied with spiritual exercises. In the afternoon two groups were formed for Stations of The Cross; one on level ground along the Gave conducted by Fr. Alan Parkinson and the other following the 1,500 metre walk along the steep hillside path in the wooded area which gave a most appropriate setting for Fr. Rowlands devotions.  

The official programme for the day concluded with The Blessed Sacrament Procession, which finished in the Underground Basilica of S. Pius X ~ where the blessing of the sick was included.

On Wednesday we were most privileged to attend the International Mass again in the underground Basilica, with in excess of 25,000 present.   Great hospitality was afforded by The Lourdes authorities to The Society throughout our stay, including The Bishops and Priests being granted places of honour at the International Mass and Members Olav Ollesson and Mrs. Ladds read The Epistle and a ‘Bidding Prayer’ sentence respectively.

On conclusion of The Mass the Bishops, including our two were presented with a piece of rock on which was embossed (in French) “The Lord is my rock”.

After the Mass the Bishops and Priests proceeded to the Grotto for the recitation of The Angelus. On Wednesday afternoon we visited Bétharram for a Sung Mass of SS. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael in the much older Shrine of Our Lady. It was particularly appropriate that Bishop Robert was the Chief-Concelebrant and preacher, to mark his anniversary of Ordination to the Diaconate, Ordination to the Priesthood, and his Consecration as a Bishop. The day’s programme was concluded by participating as a group in the Torchlight Procession of Our Lady.   

Both at The International Mass and in the evening at the Torchlight Procession the Pilgrims of ‘The Society of Mary’ were formally welcomed.

On Thursday we had a full day coach excursion to the historic town of S. Bertrand de Comminges, which is sometimes referred to as the:  “Rome of the Pyrenees”. Here we had a wonderful Mass in the Cathedral of S. Bertrand, which behind the High Altar contains his shrine with most beautiful decorations and paintings. Fr. Rowlands gave an address in the Mass and referred to Bertrand being severely opposed when he first came to the town, and even stoned in the cemetery there, but his determination won the support of all and so we should likewise have positive determination in the faith.  

After the Mass we had a picnic lunch. Then a short visit to the close by Basilica of S. Just de Valcabrère was made. On the return journey a stop was made at Bartres, where we had the most appropriate opportunity to Venerate a Relic of S. Bernadette, as she had lived with family friends for two periods of her childhood in this village. The day’s programme concluded with the recitation of the Rosary, for the Pilgrims intentions in the meadow beside the river opposite ‘The Grotto’.

The English Speaking Chaplains of Lourdes Frs. Liam and Terry joined us for Dinner on Thursday evening.

After Dinner presentations were made to The Bishops and Fr. Rowlands, being tokens of The Pilgrims gratitude. Bishop Robert was given Holy Oil Stocks which he used for the Anointing at the following morning’s Mass.

So on Friday morning the concluding Mass of the Pilgrimage was Celebrated which included the Laying-on of hands and the Anointing of the Sick, after which the traditional large candle was signed by all, then lit and the final prayers of the Pilgrimage were said at The Grotto.

Henry Frier, Ward Secretary, Our Lady Queen of All Saints, Bournemouth.