Latest News ‘Why Lourdes?’ In May 2023 hundreds of people from across the Archdiocese of Birmingham travelled to Lourdes on pilgrimage. Many were repeat visitors, many were visiting for the first time. Many took on the role of a volunteer to look after assisted pilgrims. Under the leadership of His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Evans, pilgrims experienced a rich and varied spiritual programme. The annual Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage is open to everyone. All are welcome. If you have ever wondered ‘Why Lourdes?’ please watch the six videos below as pilgrims share their unique experiences. From school students to carers, nurses and doctors, all of our volunteers play a crucial role in delivering a successful pilgrimage. Could you be one this year? The next Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from Monday 27 May to Saturday 1 June 2024. Find out more about this year's Pilgrimage Watch! Video Six: It's a family affair as three sisters from the same family took on the role of hospitaliers/helpers last year (they have in fact been assisting in Lourdes for decades!). The trio were part of a family party of 12 in Lourdes in 2023 and definitely have the 'Lourdes bug'! Meet Geraldine, Pauline and Elizabeth who are drawn to Lourdes each year due to their devotion to Our Lady. Video Five: Doctors Devan and Charlie, and Nurse Lorretta, talk about their roles as part of last year's Medical Team in Lourdes. Video Four: Shelagh, Emily and Stephanie talk about their roles as Carers whilst in Lourdes. Doctors, nurses and carers volunteer their time – along with young people from across our schools – to look after the assisted pilgrims (those who may require support with their personal or medical care or transit around during the pilgrimage) attending Lourdes. Video Three: Husband and wife Kevin and Jane Goodyear talk about their years of service at the Lourdes Pilgrimage. During the 2023 Pilgrimage they each received the Benemerenti medal for their service to the Catholic Church. The couple, from Our Lady of the Angels parish, Nuneaton, encourage everyone who has the opportunity to go to Lourdes to take it. Video Two: Some of our young people and a member of staff from St Joseph's College, Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, share their experiences of taking on the role of a hospitalier (helper). Video One: Three of our Diocesan schools are represented in this video as students and a teacher share their experience of Lourdes. Manage Cookie Preferences