Published: Thursday, 29th July, 2010 12:00pm

Memorable Kilmore pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Kilmore diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2010, led by the Bishop of Kilmore, Most Rev. Dr. Leo O'Reilly.

Once again the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes was a memorable and spiritually uplifting occasion for the many pilgrims from the Kilmore diocese who made the journey to the shrine of Our Lady in the southern French town, which is now such an important focal point in the life of the Catholic Church.

The pilgrimage lasted from May 27 until Tuesday June 1 and there was a balanced spread of pilgrims from throughout the diocese. The theme of this year's pilgrimage was "The Sign of the Cross" - the sign of the cross being very important in the life of Bernadette. Her life and the way she lived it was an authentic and visible sign of the cross.

The opening mass was celebrated at the grotto in conjunction with the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. Bishop Leo O'Reilly was the celebrant and Bishop Colm O'Reilly delivered the homily. After mass at the grotto, the assisted pilgrims, as well as the main body of pilgrims, attended at the baths, which are such a central part of the Lourdes pilgrimage experience.

In the afternoon a holy hour was conducted by Father Kevin Donohoe assisted by teachers and pupils from St. Bricin's, Belturbet and St. Mogue's, Bawnboy. The pupils through their dedication and commitment endeared themselves to the assisted pilgrims, the staff and all on the pilgrimage who witnessed their goodness and hard work.

The following morning Bishop Leo celebrated mass in Salle Notre Dame. He spoke on the theme of the pilgrimage and the importance of what we do when we make the sign of the cross. Later on in the morning stations of the cross took place at various locations in the grounds of the grotto, while some of the more agile pilgrims prayed the stations on the hill.

Throughout the remaining days of the pilgrimage the Kilmore pilgrims attended various ceremonies including the penitential service, an international mass attended by over 25,000 people and Blessed Sacrament procession. In a unique honour the Kilmore pilgrimage was chosen to lead the torch light procession.

One of the highlights of the pilgrimage was the mass of the anointing of the sick at which Father John Murphy spoke about the universal place that Lourdes is and what a unique place it is for the sick.

All the ceremonies were meaningful, joyful and prayerful experiences. All present and all at home were remembered at masses, the leaving of petitions at the grotto and the lighting of candles.

It is wonderful to observe the kindness and care shown by the staff to the assisted pilgrims in the Acquiel Notre Dame and the easy integration of all the people on the pilgrimage.

At the last Mass at 6.30 am we remembered Dr. Jimmy Fay who has recently departed this world. Dr. Jimmy was a dedicated member of the staff for 29 years. He will be deeply missed by all who remember him as a man of deep devotion to Our Lady and as a man of craic, care and compassion. May his memory inspire all to continue to serve others like he did.

At the end of our staff mass, Barney Cully, on behalf of the staff, presented Rev. Colm Hurley with a gift on his retirement as Director of the Pilgrimage. Fr. Colm's easy disposition endeared himself to all involved in the pilgrimage. Nothing was ever a problem for him and through his hard work as Director the pilgrimage has ran smoothly each year. He will continue to play a leading role in the pilgrimage but he certainly deserves a well earned rest.

All the Kilmore pilgrims have their own special memories of their five days spent in Lourdes. Well done to all who made the pilgrimage such a success.