Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026
Hail, Full of Grace
More than 350 pilgrims travelled from the Diocese of Meath to Our Lady's Shrine in Lourdes. Bishop Deennihan led the five-day pilgrimage to Lourdes on 8 September from Dublin Airport on two chartered aircraft. They were joined by others who made their way to Lourdes on scheduled flights.
Among the committed staff, the pilgrimage was joined by teachers and students from St. Patrick's Classical School, Navan, Eureka Secondary School, Kells and Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar.
Many of the sick pilgrims who are travelling would not have the opportunity to visit Lourdes if it were not for the fantastic medical backup, care and assistance offered by the many volunteers on pilrimage.
Despite the rising costs of air travel and hotel accommodation, the number of pilgrims who travelled remained consistent with last year.
During the final Mass, Fr. Joe Gallagher, Pilgrimage Director, thanked the pilgrimage's energetic staff, regional secretaries, the team of chaplains, doctors, nurses, pilgrims, students, Durrow Choir, and all who made te pilgrimage a remarkble success.
Bishop Deenihan opened the pilgrimage with Mas at the Grotto on Wendesday moring. Fr. Mark Mohan, the Master of Ceremonies coordinated the liturgical celebrations during the pilgrimage.
Homilists during the pilgrimage included: Bishop Deenihan, Fr. Joe Gallagher, Fr. Mark English, Fr. Derek Darby, Fr. Seán Heaney, Fr. Stan Deegan.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
