Friday 31st July to Friday 7th August 2026

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Fr Shaun Purdy, Pilgrimage Director

Welcome

“Each year on the last Friday of July, around 500 pilgrims from the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle gather in the French town of Lourdes on pilgrimage, accepting the invitation of our Blessed Lady to come in procession and to wash in the water.

“As a Diocese, we gather in worship, witness and service: we worship the Lord; we give witness to our faith; and we serve one another as fellow pilgrims, especially those who join us as assisted pilgrims.

“Please keep us in your prayers this month as we make our final preparations.

“Donations to our fundraising appeal are always very gratefully received.”

Friday 31st July to Friday 7th August 2026

Our Centenary Pilgrimage!

In 1926 the then Bishop of Hexham & Newcastle, Bishop Joseph Thorman, led a group of pilgrims from the Diocese on a train from Newcastle Central Station to Lourdes. A lot has changed from those beginnings although our Pilgrimage is still led by our Bishop, Bishop Stephen Wright, and provides an opportunity to gather as a Diocese to pray and journey together as pilgrims of hope.

Pilgrims come from all parts of the Diocese and in Lourdes we encounter pilgrims from all over the world. Our assisted pilgrims, those who may be elderly, frail or dependent are supported by our own team of willing volunteers, including doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals and many others with different backgrounds and experiences.

All volunteers are self-funding and give up their own time to support those who require help. They serve in a spirit inspired by love of God and of neighbour.

There is a full programme of activities arranged for the pilgrimage week with various Masses and other services, processions and excursions. 

Please keep visiting this page for photographs and updates.

Lourdes Planning Group

Father Shaun Purdy – Pilgrimage Director

Claire James – President of Hospitalité

Tom Linsley – Assistant President of Hospitalité and Health & Safety Lead

Victoria Ogilvie – Safeguarding Lead

Michele Hall – Lead Nurse

Jane Haddon – Lead Nurse (Clinical)

Phillip Salkeld – Youth Section Lead (YMT)

Rev Richard McLoughlin – Chaplain to the Accueil

Rev Jeremy Wynne – Pilgrimage Administrator

Related Updates & Events

Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle: Youth Ministry Trust

Youth Section (Aged 16-21 or in full-time education)