Oblate News

37th Annual Overland Oblate Pilgrimage to Lourdes

What to expect

We are very excited to announce that our 37th annual Overland pilgrimage to Lourdes is set to join in the 140th-anniversary celebrations this year. Organiser Patrick Denning, is proud to be able to run the coach trip again this year, allowing pilgrims an alternative route to Lourdes. Although this may be a slightly longer option it offers both spiritual and factual stops during the 3-day trip to and from Lourdes.  

Our Overland pilgrimage is being led by Fr Tom Devereux OMI, who will set the pace for your journey through the pilgrimage spiritually. We hope that each pilgrim will encounter, healing and peace.

“Every pilgrim finds something different and everyone returns home with their own story about their visit to Lourdes. I find it a great joy to listen to everyone’s unique encounters during the ride home” Patrick added.   

Designed for both single pilgrimages or those who choose to travel with friends, it gives opportunities to meet new people and create new friendship groups to continue after the pilgrimage. Opportunities for socials such as picnics and evening activities allow the space to form new memories and share your Lourdes experience with like-minded individuals. But just as importantly, this overland trip offers multiple opportunities for you to spend time alone in prayer and reflection to support your personal spiritual journey.

Patrick added, “The picnics and walking routes during our trip are a big part of the offering. These activities allow for a relaxed approach to pilgrimage and present ways to both reconnect with your neighbour and nature via a brew or a simple forum to share prayer space or experiences.”  

Setting off on the 15th of September and returning on the 24th of September, this pilgrimage finds time for a jam-packed itinerary on top of the Oblate pilgrimage activities within Lourdes.  Whether you are a walker or a shopper you will find an activity to please you all. 

Here is what to expect on the overland pilgrimage 2023: 

	Friday 15th September 06.30am Departs from The Sacred Heart Church, London, NW6.  The first night will be spent in the Campanile Hotel, Paris.  An evening meal/ bed and breakfast will be provided.   Sightseeing boat trip on the River Seine (weather permitting).
	Saturday 16th September  A visit to Rue de Bac; the church where St. Catherine Laboure was presented the design of the Miraculous Medal.    Time dependant, we will also visit the nearby church of St Vincent de Paul and the Bon Marche Department Store (the Fortnum and Mason of Paris!).     13:30 hours we will depart for Nevers traveling through the Loire Valley to St.Gilards Convent for Mass, dinner/bed and breakfast.  This convent is where St. Bernadette became a nun, and spent the rest of her life, until her death in 1879.
	Sunday 17th September   Early in the morning, we will depart Nevers on our journey to Lourdes.  We also have comfort stops along the way with picnics, before arriving in Lourdes for dinner.
	Sunday 17th to Friday 22nd September – Lourdes  Staying at the Hotel Jeanne d’’Arc in Lourdes. As always, we join the programme of events planned by the Oblates, a group of over 200 people from Dublin.   Day trip to Gavarnie in the Pyrenees, a beautiful town always worth a visit to see the rugged and beautiful scenery.    A trip to Pic du Jer and Lourdes Lake will also be available for those who want to join us.
	Friday 22nd September   We will be departing  Lourdes after breakfast to St Jean-De-Luz, a picturesque seaside town, where we take a break for a couple of hours.    Later we will travel to Poitiers which is north of Bordeaux for dinner/bed and breakfast at the Novotel.
	Saturday 23rd September  Depart Poitiers and travel to the town of Lisieux for mass at the Basilica.    After mass there will be some free time in the town of Lisieux, then to the Hotel L’Esperance for dinner/bed and breakfast.
	Sunday 24th September   Depart for the Euro Tunnel after breakfast.  Arrive back to the Sacred Heart Church in the afternoon.

  If you’d like to book your seat on the overland pilgrimage to Lourdes you can do so by: 

• Clicking here to download the booking form: Overland Pilgrimage Booking Form  
• Get in touch with Patrick, who is happy to answer any questions and assist in booking if required via patrickjdenning@gmail.com | 07976 963 565 

Tags: Lourdes, pilgrimage