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Sacred Relics of Saint Bernadette Are Coming to Dublin’s Inchicore Oblate Parish

A Unique Spiritual Opportunity for Our Community In Dublin

The relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes will be visiting the Oblate Parish of Mary Immaculate in Inchicore, Dublin, from October 23rd to 25th, 2024. This very special event is part of the relics’ first-ever pilgrimage across Ireland, giving everyone a special opportunity to connect with the life and legacy of one of the Church’s most beloved saints—right here in our own community. So far, the Relic Pilgrimage of Saint Bernadette has been drawing numbers of faithful at every venue around the country.

Join Us for a Special Series of Events

The Missionary Oblates have a long-standing connection with Lourdes, organising the first ever English-speaking pilgrimage in 1883 and every year since (except during the War years and Covid). Almost 100 years ago, the “Dublin Lourdes” was constructed in Inchicore – a replica of the Grotto in Lourdes where Mary appeared to Bernadette – to allow as many people as possible to experience Lourdes at home, when, for many reasons, people were unable to travel to the shrine in France.

The visit of Saint Bernadette’s relics is a beautiful moment for the community—a chance for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal in Inchicore. The Oblate parish of Inchicore warmly invites everyone to take part in this meaningful experience through a variety of special events, including:

• Masses and Prayer Services in Honour of Saint Bernadette
• Personal Veneration of the Relics
• Making the Water Gesture at the Grotto
• Blessed Sacrament Procession & Blessing of the Sick
• Opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Mass of Anointing
• Outdoor Torchlight Marian Procession

Fr Martin Moran OMI of Mary Immaculate Parish, shared the significance of this event, saying:

“The relics of Saint Bernadette will help remind us of Lourdes as a place of prayer and compassion for the sick and vulnerable. Welcoming these relics gives us a chance to connect with the message of Lourdes, which remains as powerful and relevant today as ever, and we hope that this time can give those who are unable to travel to Lourdes the opportunity to have a mini-Lourdes experience at home. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Parish during these special days.”

Come be a part of this profound spiritual experience

The relics will be available for veneration from October 23rd to 25th, and we encourage everyone—whether you’re local or visiting from afar—to come and take part in this powerful moment of faith and reflection.

Ends

For More Information:

To learn more please visit www.oblates.ie/relics2024 or get in touch at

Email: communications@oblates.ie / Phone: 01 453-4408 (Parish Office) 

About Saint Bernadette:

Born in 1844 in Lourdes, France, Bernadette Soubirous was a humble girl who experienced several visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Despite her poor health and challenging circumstances, her unwavering faith inspired many, even when faced with scepticism. She was canonised in 1933, and her story continues to uplift and inspire Christians around the world.

Saint Bernadette is known for her visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, which transformed the town into one of the world’s most famous places for pilgrimage. Her story of faith, hope, and humility still touches the hearts of millions today.