Raphoe Diocese pilgrims return to Lourdes

Pilgrims from the Raphoe Diocese were joined by the newly-ordained Bishop Niall Coll in Lourdes this week.

The Raphoe Diocese Group, led by Pilgrimage Director Fr Stephen Gorman, flew out from City of Derry Airport on Tuesday. It is the first post-Covid pandemic pilgrimage from the Diocese with the last group visiting Lourdes in 2019.

On Wednesday, Mass was celebrated by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ. The group joined with the Diocese of Ossory for a penitential service.

In January, Niall Coll, a native of St Johnston, was installed as the 96th Bishop of Ossory and he is due to celebrate Mass at St Baithin's Church on June 17.

Pilgrims from the Raphoe Diocese and Fr Stephen Gorman

Pilgrims held a Holy Hour on Wednesday night and they are due to fly home at the weekend.

This week's trip was the first Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages to Lourdes with Albastar Airline to depart from City of Derry Airport.

Group Leaders Fr Gorman and Brenda Barrett are joined by Bishop McGuckian, priests - including Very Rev Dinny McGettigan and Archdeacon Willie McMenamin - and parishioners from across the Diocese.

Bishop of Ossary Niall Coll and Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian SJ

Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, added: “We are proud to provide those travelling, particularly any elderly passengers, with the convenience of flying local, reduced travel time and cost, and an efficient journey through the Airport.”

David Walsh of Joe Walsh Tours commented: “We are delighted to offer pilgrims in the Northwest region a selection of tours to Lourdes this year flying directly from City of Derry Airport.

“Its great facilities and pilgrim friendly atmosphere make it a fantastic addition to our tours for 2023.”