ARCHDIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE:

I am conscious that two years ago I was with the pilgrims in Lourdes, marking the centenary since the first diocesan pilgrimage. That will always be remembered for the remarkable cure of Jack Traynor, a miracle that has now been officially recognised by the authorities there. You may recall that some months ago we celebrated that event in our Cathedral and the Bishop of Lourdes preached at the Mass. This year’s pilgrimage covers this weekend, so we can unite our prayers with the pilgrims, and I suggest we remember especially the army of young people who form a team of helpers. They always return from Lourdes with their faith enlivened and a new sense of purpose. We pray for them all, but especially for those whom we have sponsored from our parishes. It is also a good opportunity to renew our commitment to the Jubilee Year when we are being invited to see our lives as a pilgrimage in hope. This will be Archbishop John’s first pilgrimage with Liverpool, although he was there two years ago with Westminster and I met with him for the first time again in well over twenty years! This year Fr David Gamble is among the clergy and has asked me to cover in Stockbridge Village on Sunday morning, so that is where I will be for the 10am Mass this weekend.