Pilgrims' joy on 1899 visit to Lourdes

A fascinating insight into a 19th century pilgrimage from Edinburgh to Lourdes reveals the devotion of Scotland's Catholics to Our Lady.

Around 100 lay people from across Scotland travelled together in September 1899, along with nearly 30 priests.

A report of the pilgrimage describes their "tears of joy" as they took part in the famous torchlight procession at the French holy site.

A photo of the pilgrims in Lourdes has been shared by Donald Shaw, a longtime Lourdes Pilgrim himself, and a former principal teacher at Holy Rood High School.


It was on the pilgrimage that his grandfather, Donald Stuart Shaw, manager of the Ben Nevis distillery in Fort William, met future wife Belle Barnard of Edinburgh (both highlighted, above).

The Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage was led by Archbishop Angus MacDonald of St Andrews & Edinburgh (pictured bottom left, seated between Bishop James Augustine Smith (Dunkeld Diocese, right) and Bishop Aeneas Chisholm (Aberdeen Diocese, left). Bishop Smith would later become Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh from 1900-28.

The Pilgrims first visited Paris, which included a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral.

They then headed to Lourdes with the report in The Tablet stating: "All credit is given for the cheerful manner in which they bore the great fatigue of the twenty hours' journey".

The report continues: "The first glimpse of the church of Lourdes, as its bright lights broke through the darkness of night, was hailed with an enthusiastic singing of ‘Hail Queen of Heaven.’

"During the five days' stay at Lourdes the pilgrims from Scotland occupied the place of honour in the various processions.

"On the Feast of the Nativity, the Archbishop carried the Blessed Sacrament in a procession which had a congregation of 50,000.

“The thrilling hymns, the long line of invalids on couches, the living faith and the stirring sermons, all combined to produce a scene of religious splendour never to be forgotten by those privileged to witness it.

"On the last day of the pilgrimage a Pontifical High Mass was sung by the Archbishop, the sanctuary being filled with a crowd of Scottish, Belgian, Irish, American, German and French priests.

"At the end of the Mass the magnificent banner of St Andrew with the Royal Arms of Scotland was laid on the steps before the high altar, and thus Scotland's tribute of devotion to the Mother of Jesus takes its place among the standards of the world which fulfils the words, 'Behold all nations shall call Me Blessed'.

"At the immense torch-light procession the Scots again led the procession with their three Bishops in front.

Cries were raised by the Belgians for God's blessings on the brave Scots.

"The scene baffled all description. The Aves of so many different nations, said by their tens of thousands as they moved round the beautifully illuminated buildings, rendered it impossible to restrain the tears of joy.

"Particularly impressive was the moment when Archbishop MacDonald was called upon to bless the immense multitude.

"A piper in full dress formed a striking figure."

"His voice rang through the air as the kneeling crowd responded, and then fervent faith prayers were said for the conversion of Scotland and the welfare of France.

"Cries were raised by the Belgians for God's blessings on the brave Scots, and this was most heartily responded to by ringing cheers for France and Belgium.

"Never will the Scottish pilgrims forget the hospitable reception accorded them.

"It was the pride of these faithful friends of Scotland to prove that they still remembered that both nations once recognised the same faith and were the children of the beautiful and beloved Sovereign, Mary Queen of Scots.

"Headed again by the piper as he played his lament, the pilgrims bade farewell to Lourdes, each repeating, 'If God spares me, I will visit Lourdes again.'"

The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place 11-18 July 2025 and the flight is fully booked. If you wish to take part please contact Tangney Tours on 01732 886666 and ask to be put on the waiting list. All other info at https://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25

Q&A: Helping the sick and infirm in Lourdes

World Day of the Sick is on Tuesday (11 February) and coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. We spoke to Scott Johnston, 52, a volunteer nurse on this year’s Archdiocesan Lourdes pilgrimage, to find out more about the brilliant care and support that the sick and infirm assisted pilgrims receive.

What is the main role of a volunteer nurse in Lourdes?
Pilgrimage nurses undertake a variety of roles across the year. All of our team are primarily focused on providing 24-hour nursing care whilst we are in Lourdes. We are also involved in meeting with assisted pilgrims and their families before travelling to discuss care needs and how this will be provided in the St Frai (the accommodation for assisted pilgrims). The Nursing Team deliver training sessions to support existing and new volunteers. I usually travel independently to Lourdes and help to set up our section of the St Frai before our pilgrimage group arrive. I then provide nursing care to pilgrims during the pilgrimage.

What is the best part of being a volunteer nurse?
I really enjoy being able to spend time with the assisted pilgrims and the other volunteers. As a pilgrimage nurse I also participate in all the masses and activities during the week. Lourdes allows me to use my clinical nursing skills in a way that I no longer do regularly in my day job in the NHS (National Maternity Improvement Advisor).

And the most challenging?
The week is very tiring, but it is also very enjoyable, so that makes up for it!

What kind of professional care do assisted pilgrims get?
The care we provide varies depending on the need of the pilgrim. This can include personal care, medication administration and assisting with eating and drinking. The nursing team are also responsible for dealing with any emergency situations that may occur (this is not very often).

From your experience, what parts of the pilgrimage do assisted pilgrims enjoy the most?
When I speak with pilgrims, they all speak of the spiritual side of Lourdes, the activities and the companionship as the parts they enjoy the most.

What support do volunteer nurses get in their role?
We have preparation meetings and training sessions. As a team we are very conscious of the variety of skills that we all have and we work very closely to support each other before and during the pilgrimage.

What feedback have you had from the families of assisted pilgrims about their experience in Lourdes?
 The feedback from families that I have had is very positive. Many families end up joining the pilgrimage in future years!

How do I find out more about this year’s pilgrimage?
Go to the www.edinburgh-lourdes.com which has all the info on this year’s pilgrimage.

Update: The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025 is now fully booked. www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25

Bernadette honoured with papal medal

Congratulations to Bernadette Barry who has been honoured with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal.

The award is given to those who have shown distinguished service to the Church and is the highest medal that the Pope can give to a layperson.

Bernadette received the award for her selfless work for the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for over 50 years.

It was presented by Archbishop Cushley at Mass celebrated in St Cuthbert's, Slateford, on Sunday afternoon, which was attended by family, friends and fellow pilgrims.

Canon James Tracey, Pilgrimage Director (and parish priest at St Joseph's in Burntisland), said: "Bernadette is very much a powerhouse behind the Pilgrimage.

"Her first pilgrimage was when she was 18 and Lourdes has played a huge part of her life since.

"There is no-one more generous with their time and effort; over the years she has given countless hours attending committee meetings and ensuring things go like clockwork, especially for the assisted pilgrims.

"Her support to me as Pilgrimage Director has been invaluable.

"As Chief Lady Helper she leads the team of ladies and organises the rotas with her usual efficiency. She ensures that we have all we need for the comfort of the assisted pilgrims.

There are many other things that she does in the background, which she does selflessly.

So today we acknowledge Bernadette' personal contribution and dedication for over 50 years.

Bernadette, a parishioner at St Cuthbert's, remains Chief Lady Helper at Lourdes and a member of the Hospitalite and Pilgrimage Committees. She is looking forward to this year's pilgrimage which takes place 11-18 July.

Canon James finished: "Bernadette receives the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal with gratitude and humility - she has rightly stated that we work as a team.

"But her individual contribution for so many years has been outstanding and we are delighted that it is being recognised in this way."

Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Our annual summer Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 11 July to Friday 18 July 2025.​​​​​​​ The theme is With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope and everyone is welcome.

The pilgrimage flight is now fully booked. A waiting list has been set up. The pilgrimage committee is liaising with Tangney Tours about the option of arranging alternative provision so that anyone who wishes to participate in the pilgrimage this year is able to do so.

For all details about the pilgrimage visit edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25

February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes

The February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes will take place at 4:00pm on Sunday 2nd February 2025 in St Cuthbert’s Church, 104 Slateford Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1PT.

Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant.  There will be refreshments in the hall afterwards. All welcome!

Mass organised by the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Lourdes Committee.

This year's pilgrimage is 11-18 July. View the full travel package of flights, transfers, accommodation and insurance via www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25

GALLERY: Pilgrims' torchlight procession

Pilgrims on the Archdiocesan trip to Lourdes experienced the wonderful torchlight Marian procession last night (Sunday 8 July).

Youth volunteers had the privilege of carrying the statue of the Blessed Virgin Lady en route to the The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary where a prayer service was held as the sun set.

Earlier in the day pilgrims attended the International Mass in the 25,000-capacity Basilica of Saint Pius X, and then a Reconciliation service in The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Watch a video of the day here (35 second watch).

Keep up-to-date with the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes on Facebook by following Helpers of Our Lady of Lourdes, Edinburgh.

All photos courtesy of Helpers of Our Lady of Lourdes, Edinburgh, except final photo (Photo Durand).

 

 

GALLERY: Lourdes Pilgrimage 2023

Here are some images from the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

A statement from the Pilgrimage Committee said: "Our Pilgrimage to Lourdes was truly wonderful, filled with many uplifting spiritual experiences, inspiring and reflective music, prayerful liturgies, and a chance to reunite with old friends and make new ones!"

From left: Canon James Tracey, Mgr Allan Chambers, Fr Martin Eckersley; Fr Jeremy Milne, Canon Jeremy Bath.

 

 

 

 

WATCH: Join us in Lourdes this summer

Everyone is warmly invited to visit Lourdes on the Archdiocesan pilgrimage from 7-14 July 2023.

Visit www.edinburgh-lourdes.com for full details. Assisted pilgrims are particularly welcome - you will be cared for 24/7 in the dedicated Accuiel Saint Frai by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and support workers.

All medical conditions can be accommodated and insurance is included. Financial assistance may be available. Email edinburghlourdes@gmail.com

WATCH: Faith and fun at HCPT Lourdes pilgrimage

Archbishop Leo Cushley has joined hundreds of children in Lourdes as part of HCPT’s Easter Pilgrimage.

Nearly 2,500 people from across the UK, including disabled and disadvantaged children, are at the pilgrimage which includes groups from Edinburgh and Fife.

Archbishop Cushley, the charity's president, said: "People from across the world visit Lourdes with HCPT because they have seen the way they love and look after children.

"The pilgrimage gives children a holiday as well as an experience of Christ's love for them.

"Volunteers set aside a lot of time, effort, energy and love for children with special needs. It's very moving and it's very fun.

"I'm honoured to be the HCPT president and pleased to have the chance to express profound gratitide for the work it does."

Also at the pilgrimage is Fr Jamie Boyle of St Mary's Parish in Stirling.

HCPT (Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust) is a charity registered in England & Wales and in Scotland. Its first Easter pilgrimage was back in 1956.

Stay in touch with the pilgrimage by following HCPT on Facebook or visit the website.

Lourdes 2023: Join us this summer!

Join us for the annual Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, which takes place 7-14 July 2023.

Check out the below video (also on YouTube) and visit www.edinburgh-lourdes.com for all the details you need. We look forward to welcoming you!