On the final day of the pilgrimage, Cardinal Vincent introduced the day's schedule and asked pilgrims to think about what they will take home with them and what they will leave behind in Lourdes.
In the morning, the farewell Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent, Cardinal Cormac, Bishop John and the priests of the Diocese on the pilgrimage. It was indeed the farewell event for Cardinal Cormac and those who, along with him, were on early flight or coach returning home. Fr Denis Touw
expressed his gratitude to both Cardinals and to all the pilgrims for what he called the best pilgrimage yet, a sentiment
shared by many who were veterans of the Diocesan pilgrimage.
(Cardinal Vincent's homily from the farewell Mass can be found here.)
the pilgrims gathered at the Grotto for the lighting of the In the afternoon, the most of
During the afternoon, the St Frai community made the trek up the mountain by coach to the village of St Savin. Thankfully, the thunderstorms that were forecast did not materialise. Instead, it was a sunny afternoon, perfect weather to contemplate the breathtaking scenery before heading into the simple but exquisite parish church, which dates back from the 11th century, for Holy Hour, led by Fr Philip and the team of St Frai chaplains. Diocesan candle, which remained burning after we had left. It's a symbol of our continuing prayers with Our Lady.
The rain held off until the evening, when the remaining pilgrims were thinking about packing and their journey home the next day. And so ended another joyous and prayerful pilgrimage to Lourdes.
