A Spiritual Gathering from 14th to 17th July 2024
From 14th to 17th July 2024, the Carmelite faithful will gather in Lourdes for a particularly intense spiritual pilgrimage. This event, eagerly anticipated by many believers every year, offers a unique opportunity to renew their faith, share moments of prayer and recharge their batteries in a place that has been the setting for many Marian apparitions.
Lourdes is one of the most important Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world every year. Participants in the Carmelite pilgrimage will have the opportunity to visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, as well as the Sanctuary’s three basilicas and chapels.
Pilgrimage programme
The Carmel pilgrimage to Lourdes offers a rich and varied programme, including times of prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, processions and periods of reflection. There will also be plenty of opportunities for participants to share their faith journey and find support and comfort. Here’s an overview of the main events:
– 14th July: Pilgrims are welcomed, and the pilgrimage opens with a mass in the chapel of Saints Cosmas and Damien, followed by a presentation of the pilgrimage. At the end of the day, pilgrims can listen to a catechesis on the message of Lourdes.
– 15th July: Mass and the Stations of the Cross for the sick or the Espélugues will guide the pilgrims’ steps during this day. At 5pm, pilgrims will form a procession behind the Blessed Sacrament to praise the Lord.
– 16th July: The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the anniversary of the final apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette, is a special day with a high mass in the chapel of Saint Joseph. After the teachings and the presentation of the scapular, pilgrims will take part in the torchlight procession at 9pm.
– 17th July: End of the pilgrimage with the Mass of Sending at Notre-Dame chapel at 10:45, so that pilgrims can leave with special blessings.
Carmelite Spirituality
The Carmelites, a contemplative religious order founded in the 12th century, is renowned for its deep devotion to prayer and contemplation. This pilgrimage is an opportunity for Carmelites, and lay people associated with the order, to come together and share times of reflection and fellowship. Carmelite spirituality, centred on intimacy with God, is particularly in evidence at Lourdes, a place of miracles and intense faith.
This pilgrimage coincides with the final apparition of Mary to Bernadette, where this intimacy between these two women was manifested in silence and intense prayer.
“This pilgrimage is a real breath of spiritual air. You feel carried by the community and by the presence of the Virgin Mary,”
Marie-Claire, a regular participant.
