For Photos please go to Photo Gallery on the main page

The Cashel & Emly Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from June 16th - 21st each year.

Fr. Tom Hearne and Fr. Jimmy Donnelly have directed and lead the Pilgrimage since 2003


OPENING ADDRESS              

As I welcome you to the Cashel and Emly Lourdes Pilgrimage website I hope that the pages that follow will give you insight into the five days we spend in Lourdes each year.

The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage takes place from the 16th - 21st of June.  All our flights go from Shannon airport and we have buses to ferry people from various locations throughout the diocese for their flight should they wish to avail of this service.

The Pilgrimage is led by Archbishop Dermot Clifford who is joined by a number of priests from various parishes.


A full programme of events take place while we are in Lourdes which include Daily Mass, Penitential Service, Holy hour, Stations of the Cross and we also take part in the Eucharistic & Torchlight Processions.


During the five days pilgrims are given the opportunity to visit Bartres where Bernadette was fostered as a young girl and this small village is approx 5Km from Lourdes.  For those who wish to travel a little further a day trip to Spain is available.   Both of these trips are optional and payment and booking takes place in your hotel.


This year is a special year in Lourdes as it marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions.  Large crowds are expected to visit the shrine from different parts of the world and our own diocese is no exception.  The Pilgrimage is now full and names of those wishing to travel are being placed on a waiting list.  As part of the celebrations on December 5th 2007, a decree was published announcing Pope Benedict’s decision to grant a Plenary Indulgence for those visiting the shrine of Our Lady.  The jubilee way has been introduced where you visit various locations in Lourdes associated with the life of St. Bernadette.


The handling agents for the pilgrimage are Joe Walsh Tours, Baggot St, Dublin where bookings for the pilgrims section can be made.  Bookings for this section begin on December 8th and early booking is advisable.


Booking for the invalid section begins on February 20th those wishing to travel should contact Fr Donnelly.

Those who wish to travel as helpers should contact Fr. Tom Hearne but as places are limited we cannot always guarantee that people will be given the opportunity to travel as one of our official helpers.  A large number of fifth year students come to help with the sick and they can apply for a place from Eddie Golden whose contact details are available later on the site.

We are deeply indebted to all the people who give of their time to assist as voluntary helpers on the Pilgrimage.  Without their dedication and commitment to the Pilgrimage it would not be possible for us to take the large numbers to the hospital.

I would like to say a sincere word of thanks to our fund raising committee who work throughout the year to raise funds for the expenses we incur. 
We appreciate the work they do quietly but efficiently behind the scenes.

Finally to all those associated with the Pilgrimage and give of their time I would like to say a sincere word of thanks for all you do.

 

Fr. Tom Hearne                                                Fr. Jimmy Donnelly

Pilgrimage Director                                          Invalid Section Director PILGRIMAGE OFFICERS

Patron:                                                               Most Rev. Dermot Clifford D.D

Director:                                                            Rev. T. Hearne

Director OF Invalid Section:                          Rev. J. Donnelly

Choir Master:                                                   Rev.J. Purcell

Organist:                                                           John O'Gorman

Director of Youth:                                           Eddie Golden

Spiritual Director of Youth:                           Rev. P. Coffey

Chief Brancardier:                                          Peter O'Donoghue

Assistant:                                                      Patsy Byrnes

Chief Handmaid:                                          Mary O'Connor

Matron:                                                         Catherine Ryan

Chief Medical Officer:                                Dr. John O'Brien

Assistant:                                                    Dr. Eithne Kelly

Invalids cared for by: male, female helpers, nurses and youth group

PILGRIMAGE PERSONAL

MATRON:           Mrs Catherine Ryan

In June 2001 I took over the role of Matron of the Cashel and Emily pilgrimage. I had travelled with the pilgrimage as a nurse prior to appointment. My work starts in March when the application forms are sent out to all the sick who intend staying in the hospital in Lourdes. When these are all returned I take to the roads and visit all the sick in their homes or nursing homes. From my visits I get to know their many needs and explain to them what happens for the five days we are in Lourdes. For most of them it will be their first time to travel there, this is a huge experience for them. On average we have 85 sick people staying in the hospital, as the hospital only provides accommodation and food for the sick I have to organise medicine, medical supplies and medical equipment. Lots of the work goes into the preparation beforehand, but together with the directors and the other officers of the Pilgrimage we all work together as a team, and are well ready for take off on June 16th.While in Lourdes for the five days everything seems to fall into place and makes all the work worthwhile. The sick are inspirational despite their circumstances, they are so grateful for the assistance they receive, their faith is also an example to us all, and find great peace and serenity while they are there. I feel privileged to be part of this wonderful "Lourdes Experience". I wish to acknowledge, the co-operation of everyone involved in the organisation of the pilgrimage, especially the many people in parishes through out the diocese who do great work behind the scene.

BRANCARDIER:         Mr. Peter O Donoghue

I am currently Chief Brancardier for the Cashel and Emly Lourdes Pilgrimage. The role of the Brancardiers is multifunctional and is based
around assisting sick pilgrims. It involves

  • Accompanying them to Lourdes and while in Lourdes bringing them to ceremonies, processions, baths and the grotto etc.
  • Assisting the Lourdes Hospitality by stewarding at ceremonies and processions.

Working as a Brancardier can be hard work but is rewarding and enjoyable, and this is reflected by the fact that many helpers return year after year.

The preparatory work begins before Easter and involves

  • During the weeks leading up to 16th June arrangements are made for the transportation of equipment, medication and supplies to Shannon Airport and onto Lourdes.
  • The journey to and from Lourdes involves assisting the sick pilgrims at the Airport and onto the various buses and Ambulances. Luggage also has to be looked after and sorted for the various destinations.

The success of the pilgrimage involves a lot of planning and organisation but with co-operation and teamwork between all groups we achieve our aim of getting pilgrims to and from Lourdes safely.

Medical Officers: Dr.John O'Brien and Dr. Eithne Kelly

 

We have been travelling to Lourdes as Medical Officers with the Arch - Diocese for over twenty years. During that time we have seen the pilgrimage grow from around four hundred pilgrims to one thousand. We have also seen the development of an excellent new hospital in Lourdes that caters for the sick and those with disabilities. What has impressed us most over the years is the care and dedication of the voluntary helpers. They portray a wonderful example of practical Christianity. We have seen those who come for the first time express the wish to return again some day. The grotto at Lourdes holds magnetism for so many.

 

CHIEF HANDMAID:   Mrs. Mary O Connor

Duties:  

  • Co- ordinator of Catering
  • House keeping and meeting dietary requirements

In Lourdes the sick are cherished. Every pilgrim is cherished and every pilgrimage has its special moments. Lourdes is a place of solace, peace, hope and renewal for all who are part of the pilgrimage.



YOUTH SECTION

Director Eddie Golden/ Spiritual Director Fr. Pat Coffey

 

In 2000 Eddie Golden became the Youth Director. A Spiritual Director also travels with the group who at present is Fr. Pat Coffey.  Each year two Garda Students a male and female from the Garda College travel as part of the leader group. The Garda College in Templemore have always been very supportive towards the Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage is governed by Child Protection guidelines in compliance with national and diocesan policies.

 

How the youth are Selected?

 

The Youth Group is made up of 5th year students from Secondary Schools and Parish’s all over the dioceses.   The group is governed by strict guidelines, which have been formulated to comply with Child Protection legislation.

Each student must sign and adhere to the rules as set out by the Pilgrimage Preparation for the trip which begins each year from early September with visits to Schools who express an interest in sending students.  Each Student must fill out an application form and may have to undergo a local selection process before being selected for an interview with the Director/Spiritual director. The coordinating teacher in each school are advised of the application closing date. Following interview the group is chosen and both the student and their parents must attend an information day normally held at St. Patrick's Thurles in May. The youth travel to Lourdes as part of the larger helping group and undertake a wide variety of duties.  Some of the duties range from bringing invalids to and from ceremonies, talking to and doing messages for the invalids as well as entertaining the invalid group. This year it is expected that the youth group will number 40 with a number of new schools being recruited.  Any enquiries for the youth group can be forwarded to the Director at the following e-mail address: eddie_golden@o2.ie


 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

Duties

  • Ensuring the reserve fund is in a healthy state
  • Oversees the necessity to fundraise from year to year

Main Fundraising activities

 Grand Draw                                              

                       

HISTORY OF PILGRIMAGE

In 1971 the first Cashel & Emly Pilgrimage to Lourdes took place under the direction of Archbishop Tomas Morris as Patron and Fr. Kennedy as Director. The small group left from Thurles and Tipperary town and flew from Cork airport to Lourdes under the guidance of Bowe Travel (Shamrock Travel Agents), which were based in Thurles town.

The group travelled in a Comet aircraft. Early in 1971 Archbishop Dr.Tomas Morris, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly decided that there would be a Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. As this was short notice and Cashel and Emly were not included in the rota of ceremonies in Lourdes, therefore it was decided to contact the Cloyne Dioceses who had been participating in ceremonies in Lourdes for many years. After discussion they agreed to take Cashel & Emly under their wing and be their advisers for one year.

A small working group consisting of

Jimmy Turner,                           Sr De Chantelle.

Kathleen Leahy,                      Fr Kennedy

Pat O'Dwyer (a French teacher)  was set up to lay the  foundation for the Pilgrimage. This group had a few meetings in Cahir House Hotel   with representatives of the Cloyne Dioceses. The Pilgrimage took place from June 1st to 6th that year, consisting of

Dr Morris                             8 priests,

4 nurses                               1 doctor,

25 invalides,                        2 official male helpers,

10 females helpers              approx 200 pilgrims.

 On arriving in Lourdes Jimmy Turner realised that the number of male helpers present  was insufficient, therefore it was necessary to  recruited a further 10 helpers from the pilgrims in the hotels . The first day was chaotic and this had been noticed by the management of the Cloyne pilgrimage, who when asked how are we doing?

 "the reply was It is obvious that you have loads of enthusiasm, but haven’t a clue what's required here, but we
will assist you in every way"

This they did and the people from Cashel & Emly were quick to learn

A Sr Patrick (native of Galway) was based in Lourdes to help all English speaking  pilgrims. The group from Cashel & Emly stayed in Bell View Hotel, owned by Madame Droulette.  As the group was so small it shared the ceremonies with Cloyne Dioceses. In 1972 Cashel & Emly went Independent and got their own slots  for the ceremonies in Lourdes. Our pilgrimage has grown from strength to strength in all aspects. We have added a very efficient youth section and today we are considered one of the most organized and well run pilgrimages travelling to Lourdes
 

The first badge or emblem that the pilgrims wore had the letter "V" on it, signifying the  Fifth station of the Cross- Simon of Serene helps carry the cross. Hence the whole theme of the pilgrimage, helping others to carry their cross has become the motto that we all carry with us as we make the pilgrimage. The introduction of Flags, both Tipperary and Limerick as well as scarves for invalids was a great help to identify lost  pilgrims .

History of Cashel and Emly Lourdes Pilgrimage Personal 

Most Rev. Thomas Morris D.D (R.I.P.)                            Fr. Kennedy and Fr. Bobby Harkins  (1971 – 1973)           

Most Rev. Dermot Clifford   D.D                                       Fr. Michael Walsh ( R.I.P.) and Fr. Joseph Egan   (1974 – 1990 )

Fr. Eugene Everard and Fr. Conor Hayes  (1991 – 2001 )

Fr. Bob Noonan  and Fr. Jimmy Donnelly ( 2002 )

Fr. Tom Hearne and Fr. Jimmy Donnelly  (2003 – to date )

 

Youth Chaplains:                                                                                  Youth Leaders:

Fr. Joseph Egan   Spiritual Director                                                     Joan Costigan

Fr. Pat Coffey                                                                                          Eddie Golden

Matrons:

Sr.de Chantelle                                                                                       Sr. Helena Blackwell

Sr. Helen Maher                                                                                     Catherine Ryan  (2001-present)       

 Chief Brancardier                                                                                Chief Handmaids:

Jimmy Turner  (R.I.P) ( 1971 – 1985 )                                                   Kathleen Leahy  (R.I.P) ( 1971 – 1990 )

Bill Corcoran   ( 1986 – 1988 )                                                               Eleanor Fennelly   ( 1991 )

Michael Condon  ( 1989 – 1991 )                                                         Noelle O’Dwyer  (R.I.P.)  ( 1992 – 2000 )

Tom Flynn  ( 1992 – 1994 )                                                                   Mary O’Connor ( 2000 – to date )

Jim Mulligan  ( 1995 – 1996 )

Michael Connell  ( 1997 – 1999 )

Pierse Murphy  ( 2000 – 2002 )

 

Mike O’Donoghue ( 2003 – 2005 )

Peter Donoghue  ( 2006 – to date )           

INTERVIEWS WITH PREVIOUS INVALIDS

"I have travelled to Lourdes for the last three years with the Cashel & Emly
group. I have really enjoyed the trip on each occasion & found every year
even better than the previous! I have some great memories & really loved
meeting up with the many friends I made - we have had some fun times, it is
great to see that the Limerick/Tipperary Rivalry travels well! From a
spiritual point of view I loved attending all the ceremonies & particularly
the Candle Light Procession. I have been lucky enough to pay a trip late at
night to the Grotto, which is really special, not to be missed.
                                        Neil Ryan, Ashroe, Murroe, Co Limerick.

Travelling with the Cashel & Emly Group was a wonderful experience, I had never been there before. Visiting the grotto and mass in the underground Basilica will remain key memories for me of my Trip to Lourdes

                            Con Clancy, Newport, Co Tipperary


“Lourdes is a very special place where you get strength, peace and comfort at the Grotto. You feel Our Lady is closest to you at the Grotto”.

                                                                   Elaine Graham, Dualla Road, Cashel, Co Tipperary


The Torchlight Procession is one of Sadie’s most favoured ceremonies in all.  She particular enjoys holding the candles as the Procession proceeds.  Sadie also loves being at the Grotto. She enjoys the baths, as she said herself, “I get great relief after the Baths; I feel that something good is in front of me.  You feel like ice, but you feel great                                                                                                                          

 Sadie Barry, Dundrum, Co Tipperary



View of Pilgrim

Canon James Power                                                                Fethard Co Tipperary

I have always looked forward to my annual visit to Lourdes as something special. For me "Lourdes is my visit to the grotto and the baths, to sharing time with the sick and participation in the ceremonies. Meeting with friends over the years and renewing old friendships makes every visit special and something I look forward to very much.

There can also be sad memories when I think of the many priests who come every year but have now passed away to their eternal reward.

Lourdes is a very special place for renewing spiritual values and seeking healing and strength as we face many difficulties in life.

Contact Details

Fr. Tom Hearne                                                                 Fr. Jimmy Donnelly (Invalid Director)

Bohergar,                                                                           Bothar Na Naomh

Brittas,                                                                               Thurles

Co. Limerick.                                                                     Co. Tipperary

061 352223                                                                        0504  22042
Email: pilgrims.lourdes@cashel-emly.ie                      Email: invalids.lourdes@cashel-emly.ie


Links to Associated Websites

 

http://www.joewalshtours.ie

http://www.lourdes-france.com

http://www.ehic.ie