On this, the last day of the pilgrimage, some pilgrims visit the baths, while others do the Stations of the Cross, either on the hill or on the plain. Later, there is the closing Mass and the passage through the Grotto to light the Diocesan candle. In this video, Cardinal Vincent shares this and his thoughts about what we might be taking from the pilgrimage back home to our parishes.
Several pilgrims took part in the Stations of the Cross on the plain in the morning, among them were pilgrims from St Joseph's Pastoral Centre, as well as groups from St Frai. There was a quiet, reflective mood among the pilgrims fitting with this solemn liturgy. Just as we were finishing the Stations, the clouds rolled back in and a gust of wind brought the rain back, a reminder of another Friday when the events we had just commemorated took place.
In the afternoon, we gathered for the closing Mass of the pilgrimage, celebrated by Cardinal Vincent, Bishop Nicholas and the priests of the Diocese. Bishop Nicholas preached the homily in which he reminded us that 'we would be taking Lourdes back with us when we return home'.
After Mass, not exactly as planned, we proceeded to the Grotto to light the Diocesan candle. As the rain was still very much with us, the procession was cancelled. However, once outside, it was decided that, as many of us were still gathered, we would proceed together to the Grotto to light the candle.
At the Grotto, Cardinal Vincent led us as together we prayed the prayer of blessing at the conclusion of the pilgrimage. He then lit the Diocesan candle.
Parishioners from Our Lady of Willesden, the Marian shrine in our own Diocese, also brought a candle, which Cardinal Vincent and Fr Stephen Willis lit.
Later in the evening, a group of pilgrims from Chiswick parish led by Fr Andrew Chemiac came to light a candle on behalf of their parish.
Pilgrims had already begun leaving earlier in the day and will continue departing in groups throughout Saturday for the return home. We wish them all a safe return home, carrying with them the blessings of the pilgrimage.
Additional photos from this and previous days can be found here.
