Carmelite Pilgrimages

Irish Carmelite Pilgrimages to Lourdes

Situated in the Pyrenees Mountains in the south-west of France, Lourdes is one of the best known places of pilgrimage in the Catholic Church. The story of Lourdes is that of the appearance of Our Lady to a young shepherdess – Bernadette Soubirous. Our Lady appeared to her on 18 occasions between February 11th and July 16th, 1858. The Virgin’s message spoke of the need for prayer and penance and she also requested that a church be built near the site of the apparitions. More importantly, Our Lady revealed her name as The Immaculate Conception. At first, the authorities were slow to accept Bernadette’s story, but today the little town of Lourdes has three basilicas and attracts pilgrims from around the world each year. All those visiting the shrines experience great peace and some have been physically healed. During the pilgrimage to Lourdes the pilgrims take part in the torch light procession through the grounds of the shrine and also participate in the Ceremony of the Anointing of the Sick. Day trips also take place to places of interest in the vicinity of Lourdes.

Dates:

1.    Lourdes:    September-October: 5 nights with pilgrims staying in different hotels. Departure from Dublin, Cork and Knock.

2.    Lourdes & Nevers:    September-October: 7 nights with pilgrims staying in different hotels. Departure from Dublin only.

Irish National Joint Carmelite Pilgrimage to Knock

The National Shrine of Our Lady is situated at Knock, Co Mayo in the west of Ireland. In 1879 Our Lady appeared at the gable wall of the small parish church in the village of Knock. Today the old church still stands and the gable end is now encased in a glass extension with a full size depiction of the scene as it appeared on that night in 1879. In 1979 Pope John Paul II visited the shrine and presented a gold rose to the shrine. The shrine now has a basilica and Reconciliation Chapel and pilgrimages take place throughout the year.

Dates:

Last Sunday of the month of July each year and is organised by the Order of Carmelites and the Order of Carmelites Discalced.

Irish National Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lisieux

The Pilgrimage visits the town of Lisieux and the shrines of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Pilgrims travel out to Lisieux in Northern France for the last weekend in September. The highlight of the pilgrimage is the procession of the Reliquary of St Thérèse through the streets of the town from the Carmelite Monastery where she lived and died to the Basilica erected in her honour. On the last Sunday in September each year, solemn Pontifical Mass is celebrated in the Basilica with a guest preacher giving the homily. In the afternoon the Reliquary is taken in procession from the Basilica to the Cathedral of St Pierre for Solemn Evening Prayer before the Reliquary returns to the Monastery. Throughout the pilgrimage visits will be made to the important places associated with St Thérèse both in Lisieux and further afield.

Dates:

September-October each year.

Contact:

For further information and booking details for any of the above, contact:

Carmelite Pilgrimages, 56 Aungier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Telephone: 01 - 478 1389.    Fax: 01 - 475 6270.

Email:    carmelitelourdes@eircom.net

You may also contact your local Carmelite Friary.