‘Local’ Lourdes brings grace and healing across Brentwood Diocese

The “Lourdes at your Local” ‘pilgrimage’ last week, run by the BCYS on behalf of the Diocese, was a really good news story. It attracted interest from over 1,000 people. A total of over 800 attended in person at Masses celebrated in Leigh on Sea, Clacton, Canning Town, Wanstead and the Cathedral, and particular thanks are due to the parish priests, and the wonderful teams of volunteer helpers, who were all so kind and supportive in those parishes.  At least an additional 200+ attended online recordings of the Masses, as well as daily Rosary, etc. The pilgrimage week concluded with a Mass at Walsingham House for young adults, who will be leaders at next year’s pilgrimage. There is a lot of anticipation for 2022!

‘Lourdes at your local’ was best summarised by feedback from an older pilgrim who said:  “This is the first time I have been out in months; I have been anointed by the Bishop; I have been at Mass with people singing. I feel absolutely elated.” There was the palpable sense of the joy, grace, healing and prayer that marks a week in Lourdes. After each Mass the parish hall, school or garden was filled with joyful encounter and conversation.

The videos from the week all remain on the BCYS YouTube channel, so if you want a week of “virtual” pilgrimage at any time in the summer, you can watch and pray at times that suit you. The direct link to the week is: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLESr0mOwfx_Zcj5_CvgdpZKtL8aGZXolO

Story courtesy Fr Dominic Howarth