THE relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes arrive in Ireland today and will be in Saint Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny for three days from Friday, October 11.
On Tuesday this week a special ceremony was held at the grotto in Lourdes, where the holy relics of St Bernadette were entrusted to Bishop Kevin Doran and his pilgrimage group to bring the relics home with them to begin the pilgrimage around Ireland, beginning in Galway Cathedral today.
During their visit, there will be opportunities to venerate the relics privately as well as to participate in liturgies reminiscent of the Lourdes pilgrimage experience, with torchlight processions and receiving water from the French shrine.
Over the years thousands of pilgrims from Donegal and all over Ireland have made the journey to Lourdes seeking its healing power and peace.
The visit of the relics of the saint to every diocese in Ireland will attempt to replicate the Lourdes pilgrimage experience for those unable to travel there.
Lourdes is synonymous with care and love for sick and disabled persons and it is a special sanctuary for those who struggle with life’s trials.
Some 70 confirmed miracles have been attributed to St Bernadette and Lourdes.
Speaking to the Donegal News this week Fr Stephen Gorman, director for the Donegal visit of the relics of Saint Bernadette, said there will be Mass, Liturgies, blessing with Lourdes water, a candlelit procession and the opportunity to pray before the relics.
“There are a lot of Irish people who cannot get to Lourdes so this pilgrimage is about bringing Lourdes to every diocese.
“A lot of the staff who help with the local pilgrimages to Lourdes will be on hand to help here as there is a huge amount of work involved. Final details will be announced for Letterkenny nearer the time,“ Fr Gorman said.
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