In September and October this year, the relics of St Bernadette are undertaking a very special pilgrimage from Lourdes in France to cathedrals and churches across England, Scotland & Wales. Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster wrote “As we welcome the relics of St Bernadette to the United Kingdom we are also reminded of the special significance of Lourdes as a place of Pilgrimage and of love.” “It offers us a welcome opportunity to bear active witness to our Faith, joining with one another across our many communities to encounter God’s love and find spiritual, emotional and psychological healing and renewal”
With that in mind some sisters, residents, staff and volunteers from St Joseph’s in Glasgow took the opportunity to visit Carfin Grotto, Scotland’s National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes on the 29 September. They attended an open-air mass in front of the grotto with many visitors from across Scotland celebrated by Archbishop Cushley. After mass they had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St Bernadette. This was poignant for many who have visited Lourdes previously. Following this they joined in the liturgy of the Lourdes water having an opportunity to wash and drink it. Candles were lit for the intentions of all the residents, staff, sisters, volunteers and benefactors at the grotto. After refreshments, a tour of the various chapels and reliquary there was time for some quiet prayer in front of the grotto before the coach arrived to take them home.
One of the residents, Fr Brian Logue, was parish priest and Guardian of the Grotto in the late 80’s and 90’s was able to meet many old parishioners and friends during the visit- a local celebrity. (pictured with Mother Marie Claire and Archbishop Cushley)
There is still the opportunity to venerate the relics, for further information go to https://stbernadette.org.uk/ The relics leave Scotland and next stop is Newcastle!
