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Pro Life Pilgrimage to Lourdes - Led by Bishop John Rawsthorne
Introduction
The sanctity of life lies at the heart of Christianity; we respect every human being in whom we see reflected the person of Christ. However, in recent years we have seen how rather than defending this most precious cause we are capable of undermining and threatening it by denying the fullness of humanity to many. Interfering in conception, deciding who is more worthy to live and the point at which they die only denies the basic right of life given to us by God. This pilgrimage is our appeal to Mary, the Mother of God who was willing to sacrifice her son for our sake, so that our society will become more aware of what it is damaging and in danger of destroying.
Basic Itinerary
DAY ONE - MONDAY
London – Paris - Lourdes
Morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, with onward travel by TGV train to Lourdes, where we check-in to our centrally-located (3-star) hotel for dinner and a four-night stay. After dinner there will be an informal walk to the grotto, where we will say prayers for the intentions of our pilgrimage.
DAY TWO - TUESDAY
Lourdes
This morning we celebrate Mass at the chapel of the St Frei Hospital. Also, this morning, we walk and pray the lower Stations of the Cross, for the intentions of the Pro-Life movement. After lunch there will be a guided walking tour visiting the places associated with Bernadette Soubirous. At 5pm we are invited to take part in the Blessed Sacrament procession. After dinner there will be a Pro-Life vigil as well as an invitation to take part in the Torchlight procession at 9pm.
DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY
Lourdes
This morning we take part in the International Mass followed by a visit to the baths. After lunch those who wish will have time to walk or take a short bus ride to La Cité St Pierre. The purpose of La Cité St Pierre, situated on the beautiful hillside just above Lourdes, is to provide accommodation for those unable to stay in a hotel. La Cité St Pierre also welcomes all who come to Lourdes to experience the peace and message of Lourdes through a variety of symbolic features. After dinner we pray the Rosary and are invited to take part in the Torchlight procession.
DAY FOUR - THURSDAY
Bartres - Lourdes
This morning we will travel to the small village of Bartres. Here we will celebrate Mass in the Church of St. John the Baptist where Bernadette prepared for her First Holy Communion. We return to Lourdes for lunch. The afternoon will be free to explore Lourdes, and for private devotions. We are invited to take part in the Blessed Sacrament procession. After dinner, we will visit the Prairie, situated opposite the grotto, to pray the Rosary, appealing to Mary the Mother of God for our society to become more aware of what it is damaging and in danger of destroying.
DAY FIVE - FRIDAY
Lourdes – Paris – London
After our final Mass at the chapel of the St. Frei hospital, we return to our hotel for breakfast before transferring to the station for a departure by TGV train to Paris with onward Eurostar service to London St Pancras.
Travel Dates and Cost: | ||
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17th September 2012 - 21st September 2012
Five Days
£549
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Terms of Payment:Deposit of £150 per person on booking (plus insurance if required). Final payment due two months before the departure date. | ||
THIS TRIP INCLUDES:Return scheduled train by Eurostar and TGV – London St Pancras – Paris - Lourdes. All touring and transfers as per the itinerary. Accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities at the Hotel Stella Matutina (3-star) (or similar), Lourdes. Mass will be celebrated each day. Pax Travel tour manager (Tony Waring, a stalwart of the Pro-Life movement), to accompany the group from London and for the whole of the pilgrimage. Entrance fees as per the itinerary. Half day trip to Bartres. Meal package: full-board starting with dinner on 17th September and ending with breakfast on 21st September AITO Trust Ltd financial protection.
EXTRAS:Travel insurance at £24 per person. Single room (limited availability) supplement at £80 per person for 4 nights. Entrance fees, apart from those in the programme. Drinks and souvenirs. Optional flight costs to Pau, Toulouse, or Lourdes for those who do not wish to travel by train: available in request. “The Lourdes Pilgrim” guide book at £5. Religious denomination and worship: This is a Catholic Pilgrimage, but members of all Christian denominations are more than welcome.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:This is a Catholic Pilgrimage, but members of all Christian denominations are more than welcome.
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