Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois return to Lourdes following hiatus during pandemic

The sanctuary of Lourdes is preparing to welcome pilgrims to their Acueil in 2023 after being closed for almost 3 years due to Covid-19.

The Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois will return on their annual pilgrimage which will span across five days from June 2 to June 7.

It will be led by Pilgrimage Director, Monsignor Bernard Noonan alongside a team of volunteers who will support Assisted Pilgrims on the trip.

Many pilgrims go to Lourdes to get a break from busy lives in search for inner peace. Others experiencing health challenges go there seeking miraculous healings, with Assisted Pilgrims requiring helpers or ongoing medical or nursing support on a 24 hour basis.

The Assisted Pilgrim section is the most important aspect of the Pilgrimage, and while Covid-19 will limit the numbers that can be brought, it is hoped that this year can be used as a stepping stone to bring the Pilgrimage back to its past glory.

Fares for Assisted Pilgrims are subsidised and are funded through church gate collections that will take place across Longford on the weekend of February 11 & 12.

People interested in traveling can make enquiries and bookings through Joe Walsh Tours.