Shannon Airport was a buzz of activity on Friday 21st June as 189 pilgrims from the Diocese of Killaloe gathered for the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. This year was the first time since 2019 that the Diocese was able to welcome back assisted pilgrims accompanied by Hospitality and a youth section to care for them.
Day two of our pilgrimage began with Fr Brendan Quinlivan leading us in the celebration of the Eucharist on the feast of SS John Fisher and Thomas Moore. After Mass, there was quiet time for prayer at the Grotto, the baths, or the Adoration Chapel. In the afternoon pilgrims gathered for a Penitential Rite led by Fr Tom with the assistance of priests from the Limerick Diocese who helped hear confessions. Later in the evening, Bishop Fintan led the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Blessing of the Sick assisted by Frs Brendan Moloney and Quinlivan, with the help of our Seminarians John and Brian, and our Youth Team.
Sunday began in Lourdes with Bishop Fintan celebrating Sunday Mass at the Grotto, a highlight for most pilgrims. After Mass, there was time for the pilgrimage photo before the start of the Way of the Cross. In the afternoon our Youth group went on a short hike with Bishop Fintan. The day concluded with Bishop Fintan leading the Marian Torchlight Procession and night prayer and Rosary across from the Grotto.
Monday 24th June, the Feast of St John the Baptist, saw the Limerick and Killaloe Dioceses coming together to celebrate the Eucharist in the underground Basilica of Pope St Pius X. Bishop Fintan was the celebrant and Bishop Brendan preached. At the end of the Mass, Fr Brendan Quinlivan shared some insights into the Synodal Path of the Church.
In the afternoon pilgrims gathered in St Joseph’s Church where Youth Leader Emma Murray led us in prayer during the Eucharistic Healing Service accompanied by all of the Youth Team. The evening concluded with the Rosary and night prayer across from the Grotto.
The fifth day of pilgrimage in Lourdes for the Killaloe Diocese began with Mass and anointing of the Sick celebrated by Fr Michael Geraghty in Cote Caramel. In the afternoon in brilliant sunshine, the Farewell Ceremony and Blessing of the Pilgrimage Candle took place in St Joseph’s Chapel followed by the procession and Rosary to the Grotto. The candle was lit by Ennis parishioners Veronika and her 8-year-old son Patrick. The day concluded with night prayer and Rosary at the Grotto.
The final day of pilgrimage began with our Farewell Mass celebrated by Fr Brendan Moloney from Silvermines. It was very much a mass of thanksgiving for the blessings and success of the pilgrimage. After Mass, pilgrims paid a final visit to the Grotto to say farewell prayer.
Our flight left on time and arrived back safely to Shannon Airport.
The Autumn pilgrimage will depart Shannon Airport on Monday 30th September, returning on Saturday 5th October. This pilgrimage is filling up fast and the remaining seats can be booked through Joewalshtours.ie
On Monday 9th September we are privileged to welcome the Relics of St Bernadette to the Cathedral in Ennis. On the following day, the Relics will be in Silvermines parish Co Tipperary. More details will be made available later.