The words of Pope Francis last Monday for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary will provide food for prayerful thought as the Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes begins this weekend, according to Bishop Michael Smith.
Speaking in advance of the pilgrimage, Bishop Michael Smith referred to the Holy Father’s homily on Monday morning, which described three kinds of Christian action inspired by Mary – to be joyful, to help without hesitation and to persevere.
“The participation of the youth team in the pilgrimage certainly brings joy to the gathering”, according to Bishop Smith. “The volunteers (doctors, nurses, chaplains and lay helpers) who number more than 200 follow the example of Our Lady’s willingness to help without hesitation. Above all, the witness of the pilgrims who are sick, some who are elderly and others who are very young, will remind us that perseverance in faith is at the heart of our Christian response to suffering. Very many pilgrims carry life’s burdens and illnesses, especially cancer, will have a special place on our pilgrimage in the days ahead.”
On Friday 12 September 2014, over 800 pilgrims from the Diocese of Meath will travel to Lourdes, returning on Wednesday 17 September 2014. This will be the 67th Meath diocesan pilgrimage. It will be led by Bishop Michael Smith you has led the pilgrimage for the 31 years consecutively.
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