Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2020


​20th March 2020
We are very sad to have to let you know that the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will not be taking place this year. 
We have been advised that it is not possible to continue with planning for the trip, due to the ongoing travel restrictions, the Government guidance, and the uncertainties about when restrictions will be lifted. Therefore Bishop Duffy has decided that it is best to cancel the pilgrimage for this year.
I know that this will be a great disappointment to all our young pilgrims, as it is to me and our leaders, and also I am sure that everyone will completely understand how important it is to keep our pilgrims, and the elderly and vulnerable people we would serve when in Lourdes, completely safe.

An email has been sent to all young people and their parents with further information.               

From the Diocesan Office:
In view of the current situation, at present and into the period ahead, and taking into consideration that the Sanctuary at Lourdes has been closed for the first time in its history, due to Covid-19 the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for 2020 is cancelled. Bishop Duffy appreciates that this will be a sad decision for many, but in the circumstances, it is the only sensible one to take. He expresses his thanks to the Director, Brian Armitage and to the Spiritual Director, Canon Noel McGahan, together with the Lourdes Pilgrimage Executive Committee for their work on this year’s preparations. Please God, and with the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, we can look forward to resuming our journey to the Shrine of Mary once again in 2021.

Open to 16-18 year olds
3rd - 8th July 2020 
Price €755

​Due to high levels of interest, we have for the last number of years had to begin the recruitment process by asking interested young people to submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ form.

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest form has now passed. We have received a large number of applications for the pilgrimage and have acknowledged receipt by email.

Members of the Lourdes Pilgrimage leadership team will now meet to go through all applications.