Raising money for the St John Fisher Lourdes Fund

Every year, the Westminster Diocese takes a group of sick and/or disabled “assisted pilgrims” to Lourdes. We help them make a spiritual pilgrimage to the Shrine, following the instructions Our Lady gave to St Bernadette during the apparitions of 1858 - to go in procession; to wash in the waters; to pray the rosary. A pilgrimage to Lourdes is an enormously beneficial act of faith for those assisted pilgrims - following in the footsteps of the 72 miracle cures and coming closer to Our Lady. It provides not just a spiritual benefit but, for many, a pastoral one too, through the service and attention of volunteer helpers who enable them to enjoy every aspect of their week, from attending mass, processions and other services to enjoying an ice cream, a game of bingo or an afternoon in a scenic garden overlooking the Pyrenees. It also provides a much-needed respite for their families and carers back home. The pilgrimage relies on volunteer helpers to care for the assisted pilgrims and make it possible for those pilgrims to enjoy the benefits of Lourdes.

As a parish we usually hold events all year to raise the money needed to send assisted pilgrims and volunteers alike to Lourdes. This year we have been unable to do so due to renovation work happening in the parish.

We would be very grafetul of any donation you can make.

With many thanks

Katrina Lavery