Donegal has been confirmed as one of the venues next month for the first ever visit to Ireland of the holy relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes.
The relics will be in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, for two days, on October 11 and 12.
The International Marian Shrine at Lourdes has always had a special place in the hearts of Irish people. Countless Donegal pilgrims have made the journey to the shrine for the last 166 years since the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette in 1858. This year, the people of Ireland will have the opportunity to welcome the spirit of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette to a local church in their own home diocese.
Tomorrow, a special ceremony will be held at the grotto in Lourdes, where the holy relics of Saint Bernadette will be entrusted to Bishop Kevin Doran who, along with parishioners of the Diocese of Elphin, is currently on pilgrimage in Lourdes. The Elphin Pilgrimage will bring the relics home with them to begin the pilgrimage around Ireland, beginning in Galway Cathedral on Thursday, 5 September.
Bishop Doran said there is a well established tradition of people bringing religious objects home from Lourdes, to share with family members and friends.
“This year, we have the unique privilege of bringing home the relics of Saint Bernadette, as we fly back into Knock Airport after the Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Many,” he said.
“People are unable to travel on pilgrimage to Lourdes, but this year Lourdes will come to them, as the Relics of Saint Bernadette make their way around Ireland. We hope that many people will be able to share in the blessings of the Pilgrimage, by gathering to pray with Saint Bernadette in cities and towns across the country.”
During September and October, the relics of Saint Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage – for the very first time – to each of the 26 dioceses on the island of Ireland. This very special, once-in-life-time, opportunity will enable people of all ages to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes in their local diocese, and to share the grace of an encounter with Mary as Bernadette experienced it. By venerating the relics, people of faith can encounter peace and joy of heart and become credible and courageous witnesses of love.
The relics will visit cathedrals and churches in every diocese, north and south. The full programme can be found on the dedicated website here.
Tags:
