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The Director of our diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, Alex Manko; the pilgrimage's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Francis Nicholls; and Chief Nurse, Emma Moon, joined thousands of other pilgrims from across the world in Lourdes on Tuesday, for the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

During the visit, Alex was able to confirm this summer's pilgrimage chapel and other bookings with the Sanctuary, hear inspiring talks on the theme for 2025 “With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope” and meet with other pilgrimage planning teams from across the UK – all of which will help our Lourdes Team in the coming months, as they prepare to make our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes with Bishop Richard this July.

Speaking after her return from Lourdes, Alex said:

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"Applications for pilgrims requiring assistance are filling up fast, but we have plenty of places for volunteers, helpers and clinicians to join us. We intend to make 2025 a true Jubilee Year.

"Lourdes is an experience that is difficult to explain; if you have ever wanted to find a way to help someone else while enjoying faith, fun, and friendship, perhaps 2025 is the year for you to say 'yes' to Our Lady’s invitation."

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You can discover more about this summer's pilgrimage, and find out how to apply, here.