Pilgrims from the Killaloe Diocese returned to Lourdes this week for the first time since the pandemic began. The last pilgrimage took place in 2019. 114 pilgrims departed from Shannon Airport on Tuesday, 28th of June, and spent six days at the Marian Shrine in the south of France, where the Virgin Mary appeared 164 years ago. Our Lady invited people to come on pilgrimage and this year is the 63rd year of Killaloe Diocesan pilgrimages to Lourdes. The pilgrimage was led by Bishop Fintan Monahan, Pilgrimage Director, Fr Tom Ryan. Mary Freeman, Pilgrimage Secretary, and Canon Brendan O’Donoghue retired pilgrimage Director were also present. The ceremonies each day were enhanced by the music and singing of Tracy, Claire, and Emma Murray from the parish of Kilmurry Ibrickane in West Clare. For the first time ever it was not possible to bring assisted pilgrims. Pilgrims returned home to Shannon Airport on Sunday night. There will be two more opportunities to travel to Lourdes from Shannon Airport this year with the Franciscan Pilgrimage on the 22nd of September or the Killaloe Diocesan Autumn Pilgrimage on the 2nd of October. More details are available from Fr Damian Casey OFM or Fr Tom Ryan. Our thanks to Bishop Fintan and Lacaze for the photos.