Annual Raphoe Diocese pilgrimage to Lourdes is cancelled again

The Raphoe Diocese’s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes has been cancelled again this year.

The pilgrimage was schedule for May 2022 but, due to uncertainties still presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, plans for a return this year have been shelved.

Covid-19 also prevented the pilgrimage in 2020 and 2021.

The last visit in 2019 saw 372 pilgrims from the Raphoe Diocese, including 57 youth from second level schools, make the trip.

In 2019, Fr Pat McHugh, on his last outing as the pilgrimage director, was made a Canon of the Sanctuary of Lourdes by the Bishop of Lourdes and Tarbes.

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There had been hopes of a return to the calendar, but in a circular to parishioners across the Diocese this week, Fr Stephen Gorman conformed the cancellation.

“This is due to the uncertainties that the Covid-19 pandemic still presents,” he said.

“It is hoped that the Diocesan Pilgrimage will return to Lourdes in May 2023. Fr Stephen Gorman.

“Pilgrimage Director will hold an AGM for all staff in October 2022. We ask Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette to Intercede for us all at this time.”