Lourdes 2024 A fantastic year... I It is hard to believe that our Pilgrimage is over already. We had a wonderful week, starting on Friday 5 July and ending on the following Friday. ​ The pilgrimage was filled with blessings as we participated in Masses, ceremonies, and social events. Below is just a few memories from our time in Lourdes.... ​ ​ The Sanctuary Throughout the week we participated in Masses and Ceremonies in the Sanctuary area, including the Grotto, the Rosary Basilica, the Baths, St Bernadette's Church, Rosary Square, St Margaret's Statue, and St Joseph's Holy Ground As pilgrims, we had the opportunity to stand and kneel in the places where St Bernadette stood and knelt during her encounters with the Lady "Go and tell the priests..." On Sunday 7 July 2024, priests from all over the world, including those from our own Archdiocese, concelebrated at the International Mass. "...that a Chapel be built here..." On Sunday 7 July we participated in a penitential service, and on and on Tuesday 9 July, we participated in Mass - both in the Rosary Basilica "...and that people should come here in procession." On Sunday 7 July, we participated in the Marian (torchlight) procession, with our own Music Group providing a musical reflection.

The relics of Saint Bernadette ​ This autumn, the UK will host a visit of the relics of St Bernadette. They will be brought to Scotland from Saturday 24 September to Saturday 1 October; and will be situated in Carfin Grotto which is Scotland's national shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes. A National Pilgrimage will take place on Sunday 25 September, starting at 3pm. Then, each Diocese in Scotland will lead a day of Masses, ceremonies and events. The allocated day for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (along with the Diocese of Aberdeen) is Thursday 29 September . The programme for the day on Thursday 29 September is detailed below. We hope that you will be able to join us in Carfin Shrine for this unique celebration ​ Preparation for the visit In preparation for the visit of the relics to Scotland we invite you to view a few short videos. These are detailed below: You can view the UK trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFRMIvD9AiI ​ Watch this film about the life of St Bernadette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QiJ9nvup_U ​ You can also visit the official UK relics tour website at: https://stbernadette.org.uk ​ ​ Programme for Thursday 29 September

Helper Information This page has been created to assist volunteer helpers. Any information which may be useful for helpers will be posted here when it is available. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Individual Role Descriptions: ​ Lady Helpers The Lady Helpers form the biggest group of helpers and fulfil an essential role on the pilgrimage. Our team of Lady Helpers is made up of women from all walks of life. They generally perform a range of non-clinical care to sick Pilgrims from around our Archdiocese, who stay in the St Frai Centre in Lourdes . This includes tasks like: Assisting sick pilgrims with washing, dressing and feeding Cleaning wards Taking pilgrims out to ceremonies, a cafe, or shopping Liaising with the doctors and other helpers Supporting sick pilgrims Making tea and coffee Helping to serve food in the refectory Participating in the full range of pilgrimage activities - Masses, Ceremonies, Processions and social gatherings ​ Male Helpers Male helpers (or "Brancardiers" to use the French term) are involved in a range of duties and are primarily called on to perform the more physical/active tasks depending on ability. Brancardiers work primarily with sick pilgrims from our own Archdiocese, who stay in the St Frai Centre in Lourdes. Their duties may include: Pushing wheelchairs Pulling 'voitures' (special carriage for sick pilgrims) Assisting male pilgrims with washing, dressing and feeding as required Taking pilgrims out to ceremonies, a cafe, or shopping Supporting sick pilgrims Working an occasional night shift Participating in the full range of pilgrimage activities - Masses, Ceremonies, Processions and social gatherings ​ ​ Medical Helpers Doctors and Nurses form a vital part of the helper team. Our medical team consists of qualified registered doctors, nurses and Auxiliary/Domestic staff. Our team provides the highest quality of clinical and personal care to sick Pilgrims from around our Archdiocese, who stay in the St Frai Centre in Lourdes. Their duties may include: Assisting sick pilgrims with clinical needs and personal care needs Administering medication Taking pilgrims out to ceremonies, a cafe, or shopping Liaising with other helpers Supporting sick pilgrims Working occasional night shifts Participating in the full range of pilgrimage activities - Masses, Ceremonies, Processions and social gatherings ​ ​ Clergy Clergy are a key part of the Pilgrimage and are involved in a wide range of tasks such as saying Mass (or concelebrating during Mass), ministering to Pilgrims and participation in other ceremonies and events. If you are interested in joining us please get in touch and we will put you in contact with the Pilgrimage Director. ​ ​ ​ Helper Declaration If you plan to be a helper on the 2024 pilgrimage we need to hear from you as soon as possible. This is so that we can check the status of any existing clearances and arrange for any new checks to be put in place in time for the pilgrimage. We ask you to click on the link below and complete the form: Helper Declaration Helper Bookings Once you have completed your helper declaration (see above) then you should think about booking your trip via the Travel Agent. Details of the travel package are posted on the Lourdes 2024 page. Online Training In addition to practical training, helpers will be required to complete online training prior to the practical preparation day. This is provided by the BLMA (British Lourdes Medical Association). Once you have booked you will be sent a link to enrol for this training. Practical Training Helpers are required to undertake practical preparation. This normally tales place on a Sunday in June and will involve instruction on practical elements of the helper role. Typically it will involve sessions on manual handling, wheelchairs, infection control, and other tasks. Dates and details will be posted here when known. Essential Helper Reading The following essential reading items must be read by all helpers: Code of Conduct Risk Assessments Health & Safety Policy Summary of Helper Requirements Below are the requirements for helpers, however some of these may already be in place so may not be required. We will advise you further on your own individual requirements once we learn of your intention to be a helper. ​ Church Checks: PVG Check for Vulnerable Adults (updated every 5 years) Archdiocesan Application Form & References (once only) Safeguarding Induction Training ​ Lourdes Pilgrimage Checks: Practical Preparation attended Risk Assessments and Code of Conduct read BLMA online training completed - all 5 modules Helpers Travelling Independently Helpers who are booking their travel and/or accommodation separately from the official Travel Agent should refer to the information on medical registration. If you will be booking through the Travel Agent then you can ignore this. To access the medical registration page: click here Role Specific Information Please see below for information on each specific helper group. If you are interested in volunteering for any of the roles listed below, or if you simply would like to ask questions, please get in touch via the Contact Us page.

Acerca de Latest Newsletter ​ Previous Newsletters Download Autumn 2022 Newsletter November 2022 Newsletter March 2023 Newsletter October 2023 Newsletter Download Easter 2022 Newsletter Download Easter 2021 Newsletter Easter 2024 Newsletter

Acerca de Fundraising The Hospitalité Committee raises funds in order to carry out its aims including promoting the message of Lourdes in the Archdiocese, and providing financial assistance to helpers and sick pilgrims. In order to carry out this work, it is vital that a steady stream of income is maintained. Below are some of the ways that our committee (and associated groups) raise funds. We hope that you will be able to support our work. Click on the links below to go to each section: Online donations 200 Club Easy Fundraising ​ ​ Online donations * We have set up an easy way to make donations via the web or via text, with or without GiftAid. To donate £5, text IXRZ02 to 70970 To donate £10, text IXRZ02 to 70191 Larger donations can be made online at http://easydonate.org/IXRZ02 Back to top ​ 200 Club One of the ways that funds are raised is through our 200 Club. The 200 Club is open to anyone who purchases a number or numbers for the quarterly draw. Numbers cost £12 each per annum and you can buy as many as you want. The prizes are currently £50, £30 and £20 but with more support we can increase the number of prizes. Forms are available to download from the forms panel at the top of this page. We collect the money through Direct Debit (ie a one-off yearly payment of £12 for 1 no. or £24 for 2 nos. etc). A form is attached below for you to complete and return. However, if you prefer, we are able to accept payment for 12 months in advance by cheque or cash. To download a 200-Club form - click here ​ Back to top ​ Easy Fundraising How would you like to help the Edinburgh Lourdes Hospitalité Committee to raise money every time you shop online? Its really simple. To register just visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/edinburglourdes/ You can then shop with over 2000 well-known retailers such as Amazon, John Lewis, Boots, Tesco, Argos, M&S and many more. Whenever you buy something, the retailer makes a donation to the Edinburgh Lourdes Hospitalité Committee. They have helped other causes raise over £2,000,000 so it really does work and we would be really grateful if you could use easyfundraising too. It won't cost you an extra penny to shop this way and you can even save money with special offers and voucher codes. ​ Back to top ​ * Helpers of Our Lady of Lourdes (Hospitalite) needs to raise funds for this and for other charitable purposes. Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme, operating as DONATE, a charity registered in England and Wales (1149800) and Scotland (SC045106). In addition to any text donation, you will incur your standard network message charge (based on your service provider rates). For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org Online donations Back to top 200 Club Easy Fundraise

All are invited to take part in our summer pilgrimage at the Carfin Lourdes Grotto on Sunday 18 August. ​ Below is a video invite from Archbishop Cushley... ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ Rosary Procession at 2pm Mass at 3pm ​ Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant at the Mass, and priests are invited to concelebrate at the Mass. Take time to explore everything the Grotto has to offer, including the impressive reliquary chapel, the nativity cave and the first life-sized statue in the UK of Carlos Acutis. ​ There will be wonderful hymns from the Lourdes Music Group. The hall will be open for you to buy teas, coffees, soft drinks and cakes It promises to be an uplifting and prayerful day. ​ ​​The address of the Grotto is: 100 Newarthill Rd, Motherwell ML1 5AL ​ If you have enough interest in your parish, why not consider running a coach or minibus. We are praying for good weather and look forward to seeing ​ you there. ​ Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! invite to Carfin Play Video Carfin 24 Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Lourdes Day at Carfin Grotto Sunday 18 August 2024

Canon John McAllister RIP ​ It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our beloved Fr Mac who died on the morning of Saturday 10 December 2022. ​ Fr Mac had a strong devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and travelled to Lourdes on Pilgrimage for many years. ​ He was involved in the organisation of many Pilgrimages and was a member of the Hospitalité and Pilgrimage Committees. He was also an honorary chaplain of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. ​ Fr Mac will be greatly missed by the whole Lourdes community and we pass on our condolences to his family, friends, pilgrims, parishioners and brother priests. ​ Rest in Peace Fr Mac. ​ Fr Mac's funeral will be held on Friday 6 January 2023 at 12noon in St Margarets RC Memorial Church in Dunfermline. ​

Lourdes 2024 Photos Click on a photo in the grid below to enlarge it. Use left and right arrows to scroll through the images, or click the X to exit. Photos will be added as they become available. Mass at the Grotto On Wednesday 10th July we participated in Mass at the Grotto, along with pilgrims from the Diocese of Leeds Marian Procession On Sunday 7 July we participated in the Marian (torchlight) procession. St Margaret On Tuesday 9th July we held at service at St Margaret's statue Party On Monday 8th July we enjoyed a party on the St Rose Hotel balcony The Eucharist On Tuesday 9th July we participated in the Eucharistic Procession Holy Ground 16th July was the date of the last apparition. St Bernadette received the last visit from the other side of the river Torchlight procession. Music group sings a musical reflection. Medical Team Medical Team for Lourdes 2024 Rosary Basilica Penitential Service & Mass Candles Candles in Marian (torchlight) Procession Statue of Our Lady Edinburgh helpers carry the statue at the Marian (torchlight) Procession.

Acerca de Mass at the Esplanade Altar Click on images to enlarge them Return to Gallery Page

BLMA Mass & Ceilidh 2024 ​ The British Lourdes Medical Association (BLMA) are holding their annual conference in Edinburgh this year. They would like to invite you to join them at a special Mass at 6pm on Saturday the 2nd of November in St Cuthbert's Church, Slateford Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1PT. All are welcome to join. Also that evening at 7.30pm there will be a conference Ceilidh with hot buffet at The Braid Hills Hotel. Again fellow Lourdes helpers are welcome to join. Tickets for the Ceilidh are £20 per person. The tickets are available from Scott Johnston. Please contact him on 0796 799 5875. (Tickets are limited so please contact him directly).

Annual Safeguarding Statement ​ Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Annual Safeguarding Announcement Please find below a message from Archbishop Cushley and Canon James Tracey in relation to the Lourdes Pilgrimage: ​ Safeguarding concerns every one of us ​ It is the responsibility of clergy and lay people to ensure that the church is a safe and welcoming place for everyone and to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected. ​ Pope Francis has asked that families are made aware that they have a right to expect to be safe and secure in “our Father’s house”. The Bishops of Scotland are committed to ensuring this. ​ Safeguarding in the Catholic Church means doing everything we can to protect our children and vulnerable adults. ​ Firstly, we have a safe system of recruitment for clergy, religious, employees and all our volunteers. This includes PVG checks, references and safeguarding training. ​ Secondly, we have a reporting system so people can come forward with any concerns, be listened to and have those concerns acted upon. Safeguarding also includes care and support for survivors. In this Archdiocese, we have a dedicated safeguarding team. ​ This includes Monsignor Allan Chambers, the Vicar General for Safeguarding, Scott Mackenzie, our Safeguarding Advisor, as well as a Safeguarding Officer and Administrator. ​ The Safeguarding team is based at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh and can be contacted by e-mail or phone to advise on any safeguarding matter. You can find details on the Safeguarding page of the Archdiocesan website. ​ Every parish and group has trained safeguarding co-ordinators. Alongside the Parish Priest/Group Director, they ensure the safe recruitment of volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults in the church. Please contact us if you have any concerns about a safeguarding matter: enquiries@edinburgh-lourdes.com . ​ We do an annual safeguarding audit to assess the safeguarding work being done in. The Church in Scotland has a mandatory reporting policy. This means that if an allegation of abuse is received it is immediately reported to the police. ​ It is imperative that any abuse, historic or otherwise, will be met with a listening ear, and action taken to restore people’s trust in our Church and our clergy and religious. ​ Archbishop Leo Cushley, Canon Tracey, and the Safeguarding Team are grateful for all the hard work done by safeguarding co-ordinators and volunteers in every parish and group across the Archdiocese in keeping the Church a welcoming and safe place for all. Thank-you.

Lourdes 2022: Go and tell the priests What a quick week it was! ​ After all the planning and preparation, our Pilgrimage went in so quickly and now it is over. If you were able to be part of the Pilgrimage we hope you had a prayerful and fulfilling week. ​ ​ ​ ​ Feedback We can offer the opportunity for Pilgrims to supply feedback about the Pilgrimage. To complete the feedback form - click here . Helpers should be aware that your head of department may also arrange a separate feedback opportunity for your helper group. ​ ​ Photos ​ If you have any photos that you would like us to put on this website please send them to us. Before sending any pictures please ensure that any individuals who feature in them have consented to their picture being published on this site. Larger group photos are acceptable if they have been taken in public areas. ​ Photos from the 2022 Pilgrimage which were taken by Photo Durand, Lourdes are now available on our Gallery Page . Reflection on the 2022 Pilgrimage Please click on the link below to view the 2022 Review video. View Video