From 23–28 September, pilgrims from across Ireland will come together in Lourdes for our annual Carmelite Pilgrimage, led by Prior Provincial Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm.
Over the six days of the pilgrimage, we will gather in prayer and friendship at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, with a programme including the celebration of Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Torchlight Procession.
This year’s pilgrimage will be particularly special as we join thousands of pilgrims in Lourdes during the visit of Pope Leo XIV, including the celebration of the Papal Mass on Sunday, 27 September.
Follow Our Pilgrimage
Throughout the pilgrimage, we will be updating this page each day with photos, news and highlights from Lourdes.
Whether you are a family member or friend of one of our pilgrims, have travelled with the Carmelites in previous years, or simply wish to follow our journey from home, we invite you to check back regularly and share in the experience with us.
We will also provide a link here to watch the livestream of the Papal Mass from Lourdes on Sunday, 27 September, allowing those at home to join us in prayer for this very special celebration.
Please keep all of our pilgrims, volunteers, young people, medical teams, group leaders and Carmelites in your prayers as we prepare to set out.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
Check back here from 24 September for our first updates and photos from Lourdes.
Day 1 – Our Carmelite Pilgrimage Begins 🇫🇷🙏
And we’re off! Our annual Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lourdes is underway, with pilgrims from across Ireland arriving safely in Lourdes yesterday.
Among them were our pilgrims from Moate, who began their journey at Dublin Airport before making their way to Lourdes. After arriving, the group visited the Basilica and received a warm welcome from Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Irish Province.
Our first day concluded together in prayer at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes—a fitting beginning to the days of prayer, pilgrimage and friendship ahead.
Below are a few photos from our journey and first evening in Lourdes.
Please keep all of our pilgrims in your prayers throughout the week.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. 🤎
Day 2 – Prayer, Service and Fellowship 🇫🇷🙏
Our second day in Lourdes was filled with prayer, preparation, service and fellowship as our pilgrimage programme got fully underway.
The morning began with gatherings for our young pilgrims, Pilgrim Support Team and Blue Tie Volunteers, alongside choir rehearsals in preparation for the days ahead.
Later, we gathered together in St Joseph’s Chapel for Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, taking time amid the busyness of the pilgrimage to place ourselves before the mercy and love of God.
The day concluded on a lighter note with a lively table quiz, bringing our pilgrims together for an evening of fun, friendship and community. 🤎
Below are a few photos from our celebration of Mass in St Joseph’s Chapel.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. 🤎
Day 3 – Mass at the Grotto and a Day of Pilgrimage 🇫🇷🙏
Another grace-filled day in Lourdes began with Holy Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady, celebrated by Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Irish Province of Carmelites.
For those who were unable to join us in Lourdes, you can watch our celebration of Mass at the Grotto here:
Watch the Carmelite Pilgrimage Mass at the Grotto
Throughout the day, our pilgrims walked the Stations of the Cross before joining pilgrims from around the world for the Blessed Sacrament Procession in the Underground Basilica—a powerful witness of faith and devotion.
The evening concluded on a joyful note with our pilgrimage talent show, bringing everyone together for plenty of fun, laughter and fellowship. 🤎
Below are a few photos from our celebration of Mass at the Grotto.
Please continue to keep all of our pilgrims in your prayers as our journey in Lourdes continues.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. 🤎
One important timing note: Lourdes is one hour ahead of Dublin today, so the 11:00am Papal Mass in Lourdes begins at 10:00am Dublin time.
Day 4 – A Memorable Day of Prayer in Lourdes 🇫🇷🙏
A truly memorable day for our pilgrims began with Holy Mass in the Rosary Basilica, celebrated by Fr Martin Baxter, O.Carm., and including the Anointing of the Sick—a special moment of prayer, healing and grace.
Following Mass, our pilgrims gathered for the lighting of the Carmelite candle, entrusting the prayers and intentions of our pilgrimage to Our Lady. 🕯️🤎
The day concluded with an extraordinary moment as we joined the crowds in welcoming Pope Leo XIV to Lourdes and had the blessing of praying alongside the Holy Father at the Grotto of Our Lady.
Today, Sunday, 27 September, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Holy Mass in Lourdes at 11:00am Lourdes time / 10:00am Dublin time.
Watch the Papal Mass live on YouTube
We invite everyone following our pilgrimage from home to join us in prayer for this very special celebration.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. 🤎
Day 5 – An Unforgettable Final Day in Lourdes 🇫🇷🙏
Our final full day in Lourdes was one we will remember for many years to come, as our pilgrims joined thousands of faithful in the Prairie for Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV.
Watch the Papal Mass from Lourdes
Later that evening, we gathered once more with the Holy Father for the beautiful Rosary and Candlelight Procession—a fitting and prayerful conclusion to an extraordinary pilgrimage. 🕯️🌹
Watch the Rosary and Candlelight Procession
With Day 6 marking our journey home to Ireland, we sincerely thank everyone who has accompanied us on this pilgrimage—both those who travelled with us to Lourdes and all who joined us in prayer from home. 🤎
These days have been filled with prayer, friendship, grace and memories that we will carry with us long after leaving Lourdes. We are deeply grateful to God for the blessing of sharing this experience together.
As we return home, may we carry the graces of Lourdes into our families, communities and daily lives.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. 🤎
