Archbishop Bernard will be joined by Bishop David McGough, Bishop Philip Pargeter and many members of the clergy throughout the diocese.

The fundamental idea at the heart of a pilgrimage is that we are all sick and in need. It is true that we focus on caring for sick and disabled pilgrims who would otherwise not be able to undergo the journey for various reasons. However we realise that we are all making our way forward towards God as one family – the physically sick, people with disabilities and the able bodied, under God’s guidance, care and inspiration.

Lourdes provides us all with a special insight into the peace and acceptance of the sick, especially those with a serious illness.

Hopelessness and despair is replaced by inner peace and acceptance of illness. This is very much due to the spirit of Lourdes and the sharing of experiences.

Each year there is a Pastoral Theme for the Pilgrimage which is decided by the Sanctuary at Lourdes and the theme for 2010 is ‘With Bernadette, let us make the Sign of the Cross’. ‘From baptism to burial, the life of all those who are baptised takes place under the sign of the cross. Expressing our relationship with God, this sign marks our entry into life as a Christian, our lifelong pilgrimage with Christ and the end of our earthly journey’.

We will explore this theme throughout our time in Lourdes in our Liturgies; Anointing of the Sick, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Hour, visiting the Grotto, the Baths and taking part in the Blessed Sacrament and Marian Torchlight processions. Although there is a full programme planned for the week there are also opportunities for quiet time and prayerful reflection.

Lourdes provides us all with a special insight into the peace and acceptance of the sick, especially those with a serious illnessMost of our sick pilgrims travel by air direct from Birmingham to Lourdes but some travel overland by jumbulance and train or all the way by jumbulance as is the case in 2010.  All day to day medical and spiritual needs are looked after by a team of volunteers made up of chaplains, doctors, nurses, carers, handmaids and brancardiers.  Without the dedication of these wonderful helpers our pilgrimage would not be possible; they give generously of their time and are self funding. Many of our diocesan secondary schools bring groups of young people who are encouraged to help in the care of the sick and their support is invaluable. Most of the groups increase in number year on year in spite of the rising costs as this event becomes an important event in their school calendar.  They are also busy fund raising and for many of them this work starts in the autumn.

The pilgrimage dates for this year are Saturday 29 May to Saturday 5 June and there are still some places available by all modes of transport.  Fully inclusive fares start from £710 by Air, £589 by coach and train and £394 by coach all the way. Further information can be obtained from the Pilgrimage Office at Cathedral House and all contact details are included below.

Pilgrims with illness or disability wishing to stay in the Accueil Notre Dame under the care of our medical team should apply immediately to the Pilgrimage Office as places are limited.

If you would like to help care for our Accueil pilgrims during the pilgrimage please contact me for more details and I will be happy to answer your questions. We are always looking for registered nurses as they are vital to our medical team. Please note that in order to comply with National and Diocesan Safeguarding guidelines all helpers who are or will be 18 years of age before 6 June 2010 must complete a CRB check.

Perhaps your parish would consider sponsoring a sick pilgrim or nurse to join our Care Team?