Lourdes 2026
Bishop Deenihan accompanied 400 pilgrims to Lourdes from across the Diocese of Meath from 8th - 12th September 2026. The pilgrimage was supported by members of the diocesan Hospitalité and students from St. Patrick's Classical School, Navan, Eureka Secondary School, Kells, and Scoil Mhuire, Mullingar.
Our pilgrimage to Lourdes is one of the most significant pastoral events in our annual diocesan calendar, with hundreds of members of our community of faith visiting the Grotto together each year. Travelling to Lourdes is a wonderful experience full of companionship, faith, friendship and laughter. Each person on our pilgrimage brings distinctive gifts and graces with them, benefitting those they meet during the week.
Pilgrims participated in a daily programme of events which included a number of Masses and liturgies in different settings, with different themes. The pilgrimage opened with Mass at the Grotto offered by Bishop Deenihan. The student pilgrims lead a Holy Hour in the Rosary Basilica for diocesan pilgrims. Pilgrims participated in the Eucharistic Procession and the Candlelight Procession during the week. There were opportunities to walk and pray the Stations of the Cross and participate in the Service of Reconciliation.
A particularly moving moment in the pilgrimage was the water gesture and the diocesan visit to the baths. On day three, Bishop Deenihan celebrated Mass and blessed the pilrimage staff. Day four, the pilgrimage celebrated Mass with the Anointing of the Sick.
While on pilgrimage the intentions of the people of the Diocese and the needs of our Diocese were remembered during all liturgies.
Fr. Joseph Gallagher VG, Pilgrimage director expressed his gratitude to the many parishes across the diocese who support the pilgrimage financially and by their prayers. Fr. Gallagher also commended members of staff and the youth who showed great care and compassion to the assisted pilgrims. They were a fantastic group of young men and women and it's hoped, with the will of God, they will have taken many graces and blessings from their experience.
In addition to supporting our assisted pilgrims, student pilgrims hiked to Bartrés where Bernadette spent some of her early years. The group visited the local church of St. John the Baptist where they venerated the relic of St. Bernadette. They later visited the 'Sheep Fold' where Bernadette looked after sheep.
The students rose early on the fourth day to pray the Stations of the Cross, arriving at the summit, the twelfth station, for sunrise. The pilgrimage concluded for the students with a visit to the City of the Poor for a Service of Gratitude which included the blessing of hands', acknowledging the various ways they used their hands during the pilgrimage in the service of others.
Everyone takes something home from Lourdes and this is not confined to Lourdes water, candles, or blessed religious objects. Every pilgrim brings a unique life experience to Lourdes and every pilgrim consequently has a unique experience of Lourdes that cannot be put into words. The experience of the Eucharistic procession, the torch light procession, Mass at the Grotto, the water gesture, or just spending some quiet time alone with Our Lady in front of the shrine in the quiet stillness of night, makes Lourdes a special place to find healing and strength to deal with all the many challenges we face in life.
Testimonies
Going on the Lourdes Pilgrimage as a volunteer with St Pat's was an unforgettable trip. Before going, I knew it was a great opportunity, but I didn't realise how much it would mean to me and was not what I expected. It was so lovely to meet new people, make friends with the Eureka and CBS and help out whenever I could. For me, the best part was seeing how much the little things could mean to someone else. Like having a chat or helping them out whenever they needed. The atmosphere in Lourdes was nothing I’ve ever experienced, it was so relaxed and there was a great sense of friendship and community with everyone on the pilgrimage. It’s definitely something I will never forget and would recommend anyone to go if given the opportunity.
(Charlie - St. Pat's)
My pilgrimage to Lourdes was a really rewarding and memorable experience. One of the best parts was getting to mix with the St Pat’s lads and the Eureka girls. It was great making new friends and spending time with everyone throughout the trip.
Working with the elderly and helping with the chariots was very rewarding. It gave me a different perspective and made me realise how meaningful even small acts of help can be. The Grotto was also a really special place, and the atmosphere there was something I’ll never forget.
I was quite nervous about doing the baths at first, but I ended up really enjoying it and was glad I decided to do them. We were also very lucky with the weather, which made the whole experience even better.
The only part I struggled with was the early mornings, as getting up so early every day was tough. However, I really enjoyed the Stations of the Cross and found them very meaningful. Overall, Lourdes was an experience I’ll never forget and I’m really glad I got the chance to go.
(James - CBS)
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Travelling to Lourdes was one of the best experiences of my entire life. It brought all the girls so much closer, even though I’ve known the girls for almost 6 years I saw a new side of them on this trip. Going into the trip, we didn’t quite know what to expect, but it exceeded all my expectations. It was such a rewarding trip, even just the small things like telling the pilgrims about yourself, asking about them, going for ice cream and bringing them to and from Mass made the trip what it was. It also really immersed me in my faith, it brought me closer to God, and I felt very spiritual while in Lourdes. Although we had a rough start and I was unwell during the trip, it was one of the best trips of my life, and I’m honoured to have been chosen to attend. Appreciate your time in Lourdes while you’re there!! So, take a moment while you’re out there to look around and appreciate it.
(Bláithín - Eureka)
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My pilgrimage to Lordes this year was my second year going and I believe it to be just as good as the first. This year was amazing as the weather was much better than last year and the buzz of anticipation for the pope's arrival really added to the town's atmosphere. This year I was assigned with a pilgrim called Tom who was quite the character and very popular amongst the fellow pilgrims. I thoroughly enjoyed helping Tom and talking with him at every chance. This year I felt a stronger connection throughout the entire group as both the students and the pilgrims seemed to work better as a team and felt more cemented as a whole. This was excellently demonstrated when we students were kindly brought to dinner by Bishop Tom.
Additionally we also did many activities outside of the sacraments and further bonded between ourselves and the village of Lourdes.
I found it hard to say farewell to Lourdes this year as I feel a deep linkage to the town. I hope to return in the future but if not I will always be happy with the memories and people I met and bonded with.
(Sam - CBS)
For me personally, the trip helped me grow as a person in many different aspects. I developed my social skills greatly with different people of all ages. I truly believe the trip majorly grew my faith and helped me have a different aspect of life and truly appreciate everything life has to offer. The trip was an amazing opportunity that I would highly recommend to any young student who may be interested in travelling to Lourdes. Not only did I make many new friendships but strengthened friendships with the girls we travelled with. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget, and I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given to travel to Lourdes.
(Erica - Eureka)
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My experience in Lourdes, France, was very special and something I will always remember. On the way out, our flight was cancelled, which was stressful but also part of the experience. When we finally arrived, I was excited to begin my time in Lourdes. One of the most important parts was helping the sick and elderly people. I enjoyed looking after them and making sure they were comfortable. All the elderly people were so kind and generous to us. I loved talking to them and listening to their stories. I also enjoyed meeting students from other schools and making new friends. Another special part of the trip was serving at Mass. I was very nervous at first, but I was proud of myself for doing it. I also had the opportunity to read at Mass, which was a great experience. The Grotto was such a special and peaceful place to visit. I felt very privileged to be there and experience such an important place. The trip taught me the importance of kindness, helping others and appreciating what I have. I would love to return to Lourdes again someday, hopefully with some of my family members.
(Daragh - St. Pat's)
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My time in Lourdes was really special and meant a lot to me. Helping people in need made me step outside of my comfort zone and was very rewarding. I got to meet lots of new people I otherwise wouldn't have while also playing a part in making their experience in Lourdes more memorable. The town was beautiful, I really enjoyed exploring it during my free time, there’s a lot to see. Mass every morning gave me a chance to connect with God everyday, it was a spiritual experience. There were many different services in multiple different churches such as confession, the anointing of the sick which I got to help out with and the candle light procession every night, which was a special experience where I felt especially connected to the hundreds of other people taking part. At the end of each evening, we got to go to the grotto where we got a few moments of peace and prayer to ourselves. These were some of my favourite moments of the whole trip, it gave me a chance to step back from the busyness and reflect on myself. Overall I’d say my trip to Lourdes was one of my favourite trips I’ve ever taken and I’d highly recommend it to anyone even if you’re not religious.
(Mark - CBS)
From traveling to Lourdes as a youth volunteer, I found it an amazing opportunity and feel so grateful I got to be part of such an eye-opening experience. From Dublin airport to the closing Mass, it was all full of laughter, joy and some tears... Lourdes gave me an opportunity to be vulnerable and put myself out there for new experiences and opportunity’s while finding myself in ways I never knew I could. From bonding with those who travelled with us, to helping those in need, and seeing how faith, love and friendship can bring us all together. Reflecting on Lourdes I feel so fulfilled and glad I got to set my priorities straight going into a stressful year ahead and look forward to traveling to Lourdes again someday. If I was to give advice to students traveling to Lourdes in the future, I would tell to take this opportunity with open arms, be vulnerable and say YES to every opportunity. (also bring a deck of cards).
(Molly - Eureka)
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The pilgrimage to Lourdes was an unforgettable experience for me, and it’s something that I am very proud to have been part of. From an organisational perspective I don’t think it could have run any smoother. I would like to thank Fr. Derek Darby for his particular role in the youth programme. The stations of the cross at dawn and the hike we did as a group are the two activities that really stood out to me from the youth programme. I really enjoyed chatting to the pilgrims, especially those who we helped in the airport and down to the grotto and back, and they were very grateful for our work. I would like to also thank Bishop Tom Deenihan for his generosity and his engagement with us.
(Connor - St. Pat's)
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My pilgrimage to Lourdes was extremely special. I didn’t expect it to affect me as deeply as it did and I’d do anything to relive the experience I had with the other students on the trip. The feeling of the environment was something I don’t feel very often, every place was beautiful and memorable, it was the closest I’ve ever felt to heaven on earth. All of the people I met while there were friendly and polite, and I felt a great sense of community with all of the people there, especially with the other students of my school which I hadn’t really known beforehand.
If I had to pick any favourite moments from the pilgrimage I would have to pick the baths, helping the older pilgrims around Lourdes, the hike around the more rural areas ending with us visiting a relic of St. Bernadette, and our last night lighting candles and visiting the grotto, saying our last prayers at Lourdes there. These are memories I won’t soon forget, I can still imagine all of the places and roads we went down as if I were a local who had been living there my whole life.
I had led the candle procession at night with the students of the other schools, helped older pilgrims from their hotels over to mass at different churches and back, and one morning we went on a small hike with the Stations of the Cross where I had given the reading for the crucifixion with Mark, another student from my school. These roles were all extremely fulfilling and they were great experiences for me.
(Valters - CBS)
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My experience of the Lourdes Pilgrimage was honestly unforgettable and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Before travelling, I was excited but also nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect. Throughout the week, I got to experience so many different parts of Lourdes, from volunteering and helping pilgrims to the Baths, the candlelit procession and attending Mass. One of the highlights for me was being part of the first group of girls from Eureka to serve at Mass in Lourdes, which was a very special and proud moment. The hike to Bartrès was another memorable experience, especially getting to spend time together as a group, and doing the Stations of the Cross at sunrise was something I will never forget. Although the days were busy and tiring at times, the atmosphere, friendships, laughter and sense of community made it all worthwhile. I loved getting involved in everything I could and came home with so many memories, new friendships and a completely different perspective. It was an amazing experience from start to finish.
(Sadie - Eureka)
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My pilgrimage to Lourdes was a really good experience and I enjoyed it alot. One of the best parts was altar serving at Mass and getting to be involved in the ceremonies. I also really enjoyed meeting the students from St Patrick’s Navan and Eureka in Kells, and it was great getting to know everyone and making new friends. We all got to work together and help out with the sick and elderly people, which was something I really enjoyed. Another highlight was having dinner with the Bishop, which was a pretty cool experience and not something you get to do everyday. We also got to go to the baths, which was something I was looking forward to and it made the pilgrimage feel even more special.
Spending time with the elderly people probably impacted me the most. Some of them had been through a lot and it made me realise how important it is to just spend time with someone. Even just having a chat with them or helping them out could make them happy. Lourdes made me more grateful for what I have and showed me that helping other people can actually make a big difference. It was definitely an experience I won't forget and I'd love to go back again.
(Padraig - CBS)
My experience in Lourdes was unforgettable and one I will cherish forever.
From the moment we landed, after the disastrous saga the day before, to the moment we left I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Getting to help and add to people’s experience and seeing how much it meant to them was one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever felt. There’s something special about the pilgrimage to Lourdes, how everyone from all paths of life come together to celebrate something bigger than us all. I found I grew in my faith while over there, I began to appreciate all the rosaries and Masses and nothing can compare to the beautiful candle ceremony. Like all things it is not the activities that make the trip, it is the company. From getting to meet people from other schools, to getting to talk to the elderly, to having the craic with Bishop Tom, Father Derek and Father Mark; there was a truly brilliant energy to the pilgrimage. It was so well organised, Father Derek and Mark played a massive role in making sure we got the most out of our experience, letting us play crucial parts in many of the ceremonies. I will forever cherish my time in Lourdes, and as the school year progresses and I’ve my head wrecked studying, it’s safe to say that I’ll be missing those days in Lourdes. I’ll be wishing I was back in St Bernadette’s basilica.
(Luke - St. Pat's)
As I look back on it now and reminisce, I truly believe that applying for this pilgrimage was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Lourdes was so much more than I had anticipated. Not only did I grow in my faith, but I also brought back with me a deeply spiritual satisfaction. Plenty of core memories were made, so many in fact, that I could practically recreate the whole pilgrimage in my mind! I remember the feeling of walking down each avenue and basking in the sun. I can still recall the serenity that washed over me when I first prayed at the grotto. But within each recollection there was always a sense of inward peace – of a kind that I had never felt before. I absolutely loved participating in the prayers, Masses and processions. Sometimes, these also required hymns from the students and was an excellent opportunity to showcase our musicality. Apart from the religious aspects, the highlight for me was the pilgrims. The chats I had while assisting them were always pleasant. Each person had their own unique story to tell, and it was a pleasure having been able to talk to so many.
(Kyle Yao - St. Pat's)
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I thoroughly enjoyed my experience of travelling to Lourdes. I didn’t know what to expect before I went but now looking back, I will always remember my trip to Lourdes. It is the most special place ever. It was the most amazing trip and made me see life in a totally different way, it made me appreciate being able to travel there by foot and be healthy enough to enjoy my time there with the pilgrims, my teachers and new friends that I made. The experience I had in Lourdes is hard to even put into worlds, from seeing the grotto in real life and feeling the goosebumps the first time I seen it, to all the special Masses, the amazing chats I had with the pilgrims and the genuine bonds I made with a lot of them. The Stations of the Cross, the Holy Hour, the candlelight procession, the baths, and the walk to Bartrès it was all breathtaking and memories I will cherish forever. When I came home, I was trying to explain what a special and touching time Lourdes had on me, but it was so hard to put into words how amazing and life changing the trip was. The bishop and priests were so welcoming, kind and caring and I really felt appreciated by them and all the pilgrims. I was so honoured to serve at Mass one of the mornings and get to be the first girls to ever serve Mass in Lourdes. The baths were an experience like no other and would recommend them to anyone who’s travelling to Lourdes in the future. From helping and being with the pilgrims it made me think of my late Nana and Granny who travelled to Lourdes in the past and made me so overjoyed that I could walk in their footsteps. I definitely will be back.
(Lauren - Eureka)
My trip to Lourdes as a 6th-year student was probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and it’s something I’ll never forget. I went with friends from my school to help sick and elderly pilgrims. Most of our time was spent helping people around the Basilica in wheelchairs and making sure they were okay. Before going, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous and unsure, but once I got there, I really enjoyed it.
One of my favourite parts was seeing the Basilica for the first time. I had seen pictures before, but seeing it in person was completely different. I also enjoyed talking to the elderly pilgrims and hearing their stories. Even helping someone get to Mass made me feel like I was making a difference. Another great part was going for pizza with the Bishop and the other schools. It was great getting everyone together, having a laugh and getting to know new people. The highlight was going to the Grotto at night. The atmosphere was amazing and gave me time to take everything in.Overall, Lourdes is something I’ll never forget and I would like to return whenever I get a chance.
(Alan - CBS)
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My overall experience of Lourdes was a very moving one and gave me a different perspective on how I view things in life. It made me feel more grateful for all the things I have and everyday things I can do that some people cannot. Lourdes was a very moving and emotional place. I felt at peace there it gave me time to reflect on things that have happened in my life and remember loved ones. My favourite part of my Lourdes experience is too hard to pick out I think as I really did enjoy every aspect of it, l don't think there was a moment I wasn't walking around with a big smile on my face or having a laugh with the pilgrims and staff of the pilgrimage even when sometimes I may have been a little sad there was always someone there to leave a smile on my face. Overall, I think going to Lourdes was the best decision I've ever made, and I found the experience amazing!
(Tara - Eureka)
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For my pilgrimage to Lourdes, I was delighted I decided to go. It's a very special place. My favorite part was praying at the grotto and helping people out. The pilgrims were very kind and chatty. Bringing the people around on the chariots was very rewarding, and worth doing . I really enjoyed the candle light processions and the baths. Lourdes is a very happy and religious place. It was very peaceful which I was very grateful for and I would love to go back again at some stage in my life. I would like to go to Rome as well.
One of my neighbours was there also which was nice to meet her over there. In my opinion it was very important to go over there and be a good example for my generation. I would recommend the trip to anyone. It was great to say the prayers I had in my attention and most importantly the trip got me closer to God. I made my family proud. I also helped out in a few ceremonies with bringing the anointing of the sick up, I held the umbrella over the bishop in the opening mass at the grotto and read at the stations of the cross.
(Peter - CBS)
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The Meath Pilgrimage to Lourdes is well known in the area, with many people from around the parish going each year. We started our pilgrimage early on a Tuesday morning in September at 8.15 am, and I assisted throughout, finding it very rewarding and uplifting.
We eventually arrived late Wednesday evening, and it was a really special experience. Upon arrival, the most peaceful part of the trip was the very first night, when we watched the candlelight procession from the balcony near the crown.
After that, we were very busy, but it never stopped me from appreciating the calmness of the place and the importance of my role there to help those in need. This aspect was the most important part of this journey to assist those who would not be able to make this journey unless we, as volunteers, gave our help to those in need, even just talking to them about simple things. While I was exhausted every day, I found the experience extremely rewarding.
Each day brought its own challenges. Some mornings were very tough to get up due to the early starts, and by the end of the day, our feet were usually sore.
This journey taught me a lot. It showed me how important it is to be patient
and to keep going even when it’s tough, and to develop resilience. I would recommend this trip to anyone. It is long and difficult sometimes, but at the end of the day, when you return, you realise it was definitely worth it when you look back on it to see the difference you made to others.
(St. Pat's)
