A Pro Life Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Led by Bishop John Rawsthorne, 13 - 17 Aug 2018
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.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE: Stansted - Toulouse - Lourdes
British Airways flight departs from Heathrow at 7:40am. Flybe flight departs Manchester at 7:00am. From Toulouse Airport we transfer together by private coach to Lourdes, where we check in to our hotel, the centrally-located Hotel Stella, 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. Included meal: dinner.
DAY TWO: Lourdes
After breakfast we take the coach to Cite St Pierre where we will have Mass and will be shown around." 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. Also, this afternoon we walk and pray at the lower Stations of the Cross. After dinner we are welcome to take part in the Torchlight Procession. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY THREE: Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
This morning we will attend the Feast Day Mass in the underground Basilica or in the open air. In the afternoon there will be some free time before we take part in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and in the evening we participate in the Torchlight Procession.
DAY FOUR: Lourdes - Toulouse - Stansted
This morning we will travel to Hosanna House for a visit and Mass. Afterwards, we travel to the small village of Bartres for time at leisure and lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we return to Lourdes where the rest of the afternoon will be free to explore, 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. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY FIVE: Lourdes - Toulouse - Stansted
After our final Mass at the chapel of the St Frei Hospital, we return to our hotel for breakfast before transferring to Toulouse for our return flight, arriving at Gatwick North Terminal at 3:30pm. Included meal: breakfast.
This tour involves a substantial amount of walking, some of which will be over irregular surfaces such as cobblestones and badly-maintained walking areas. If everyday walking is something you find difficult, this tour may be unsuitable for you.
This itinerary is a guide and subject to change.