The relics of St Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage to Ireland for the first time, arriving later this week.
The relics will visit every diocese across the island from September 4 to November 5.
Our Lady is said to have appeared 18 times to the young girl named Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858.
Born at foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in 1844, Bernadette died in 1879 and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1933.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, said it will be a fitting prelude to the launch of the Jubilee Year 2025 with its theme Pilgrims of Hope.
“The pilgrimage around Ireland of St Bernadette’s relics will be a source of hope, great joy and inspiration, especially for the many people of Ireland who have travelled to Lourdes over the years and for the dedicated groups across the island who work all year round to plan pilgrimages at parish and diocesan level.
“Of course Lourdes is synonymous with care and love for sick and disabled persons and is a special sanctuary for those who struggle with worries or decisions of one kind or another.
“The relics of St Bernadette will help to remind us of Lourdes as a place of prayer and compassion for the sick and vulnerable.
“Irish people of all ages have volunteered to help in various ways in Lourdes and have been uplifted themselves by the experience of serving and caring. In welcoming the relics, faith communities around the country will pray in the ‘spirit of Lourdes’ and come to know the message of Our Lady, a message of enduring relevance for us today.”
Each diocese will have their own schedule to celebrate the saint, with the relics set to arrive in Belfast at St Mary’s church on Chapel Lane in the city centre on Tuesday October 15.
The event is being facilitated by Lourdes Pilgrimage directors and the shrine.
| Date | Diocese | Church |
|---|---|---|
| 10/10/2024 | Clogher | Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea |
| 13/10/2024 | Derry | St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry City |
| 14/10/2024 | Derry | St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry City |
| 15/10/2024 | Down & Connor | St Mary’s Church, Belfast |
| 16/10/2024 | Down & Connor | St Mary’s Church, Belfast |
| 17/10/2024 | Dromore | Cathedral of St Patrick & St Colman, Newry |
| 18/10/2024 | Dromore | Cathedral of St Patrick & St Colman, Newry |
| 19/10/2024 | Armagh | St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh |
| 28/10/2024 | Kilmore | The Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, Cavan |
| 29/10/2024 | Kilmore | The Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, Cavan |
The Interactive map below shows all of the locations the relic will visit during the pilgrimage this autumn.
Bernadette’s body was exhumed on April 18 1925 for her beatification and was found to be uncorrupted. It was then decided to place it in the chapel of the Sisters of Nevers where it is still visible today.
The Grotto of Lourdes is visited by millions each year. Many miracles have been attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Due to this, February 11, the date of the first apparition, is dedicated as the World Day of the Sick.
