The Story of Lourdes and Its Call to the Sick
The global pilgrimage to Lourdes began in the winter of 1858, nestled in the shadow of the French Pyrenees. There, in a damp, forgotten hollow known as the Grotto of Massabielle, Heaven touched earth. A young, humble peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous was blessed with eighteen gentle apparitions of the Virgin Mary, who revealed herself as a radiant “Lady dressed in white.”
During one of these sacred encounters, the Lady directed Bernadette to scrape away the dry earth and drink from the mud. As the young girl obeyed, a clear spring began to bubble forth from the stone. What began as a tiny trickle soon became a steady, flowing stream—a physical manifestation of God’s abundant grace pouring into a broken world.
“Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself there.”
— The words of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette, February 25, 1858
Today, that same spring flows uninterrupted, calling millions of souls from every corner of the earth each year. Among them, a special place of honor is always held for the sick, the frail, the suffering, and the disabled. They travel to Lourdes not merely as tourists, but as seekers of comfort, drawn by the living waters that have become synonymous with profound spiritual renewal and extraordinary physical healing.
In a world that often overlooks weakness, Lourdes stands as a sanctuary where the vulnerable are placed at the very center of community life. It is a place of deep emotional solace where heavy burdens are gently shared, where faith is not just practiced but vibrantly celebrated, and where every pilgrim can experience a miraculous, enveloping sense of peace, dignity, and divine love.
The Lurgan Lourdes Fundraising Committee
Born in the mid-1960s, our committee was brought to life by a simple, loving wish: to help those facing the challenges of illness or frailty experience the peace of a pilgrimage to Lourdes, alongside the devoted hands and hearts who care for them. Every May, our community steps forward together, weaving our own quiet prayers into the beautiful, living tradition of the Dromore Diocesan Pilgrimage—a journey of shared comfort, deep faith, and enduring hope.
A Warm Welcome: Our Mission and How to Join Us
Each year, it is our privilege to sponsor a group of assisted pilgrims, offering them a comfortable home away from home at the Accueil Notre-Dame (our wonderful “Hospital of Welcome”) in Lourdes. To make sure everyone feels completely safe, cared for, and looked after, a gentle team of medical professionals, religious leaders, and kind volunteers travels right alongside our pilgrims, providing round-the-clock care, warm companionship, and a helping hand at every step.
If you would like to come as an Assisted Pilgrim: If you, or a loved one are carrying the weight of illness, pain, or the tiredness that comes with a fragile body, please know that there is a place of profound peace waiting for you. A pilgrimage to Lourdes offers a gentle sanctuary away from the worries of daily life—a sacred space to rest your spirit, feel the enveloping love of Mary, and experience the quiet miracle of spiritual renewal. Here, in the company of others who truly understand, you can find deep comfort, a renewed sense of hope, and the strength of shared prayer. Please know you are so welcome just as you are. To begin this journey of the heart, you can contact your parish office or simply share your name and telephone number with any member of our committee.
If you would like to join as a General Pilgrim: For anyone seeking a time of quiet reflection, a chance to deepen your faith, or a space to lay down your burdens at the Grotto, travelling as a pilgrim is a beautiful way to answer God’s gentle call. It is an opportunity to step away from a busy world, to walk alongside others in community, and to immerse yourself in the prayerful, healing atmosphere of Lourdes. Anyone wishing to experience this journey of faith and fellowship with the Dromore Diocesan Pilgrimage can easily book their place directly through their local Parish Office.
With Our Deepest Thanks
While the cost of travel grows a little higher each year, our hearts are always lifted by the incredible, enduring kindness of the people of Lurgan. It is entirely because of your generosity and support for our fundraising that we can continue to make this beautiful journey possible for those who need its comfort most.
The committee extends its most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts over the years. We humbly ask for your continued prayers and kind support so that we can keep this special lifeline open for our community.
If you have any questions or just want to chat about the journey, please feel warmly welcome to reach out to:
Thomas (Tommy) McKee • Telephone: 028 3832 3161