Salford Lourdes Pilgrimage

06/09/2026

Today our coordination team met for the annual pilgrimage review.
Thank you to everyone who filled in our survey, sent feedback into the office or chatted to us with suggestions in Lourdes.

We looked at our own experiences in planning the pilgrimage and also considered each comment and survey answer that was recieved, both positive and constructive.

Whilst we will always have ways in which we can tweak and improve the week for everyone, the overwhelming theme that came through today was very positive and enforced the view that this year’s pilgrimage had a huge sense of togetherness, spiritually and inclusiveness.
In particular there was lots of well deserved appreciation of our volunteers, in all areas, so thank you once again to you all!

Next month we will meet to begin planning the 93rd Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2027.
Please keep our director, Fr Gerard, and our coordination team in your prayers as they plan for the year ahead.

Thank you. 🙏

21/08/2026

Please remember in your prayers today James Mulgrew, better known as comedy legend Jimmy Cricket, whose Requiem Mass will take place at 1.30pm at Salford Cathedral.
If you had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy you’ll be aware that he was an extremely funny, warm and generous person. Jimmy supported many charities over the years, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process. On several occasions Jimmy supported our pilgrimage by performing at fundraising comedy nights.
To use his famous catchphrase “and there’s more!”
In 2015 Jimmy was made a Knight of St Gregory the Great by Pope Francis for his services to charity.
Fr Frankie Mulgrew, friend of the pilgrimage and diocesan priest is Jimmy’s son.
Please remember Jimmy’s wife May, children Fr Frankie, Dale, Jamie and Katie and all their family and friends in your prayers at this difficult time.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him.
Saint Bernadette, pray for him.

15/08/2026

A little look back to last week’s Closing Mass in Lourdes. We are blessed to have such a wonderful music ministry to lead us in our liturgies and help lift our prayers to heaven.
You’ll know the hymn of course . . .

13/08/2026

If you’d like to be kept up to date with travel or volunteering information for next year’s pilgrimage - please register your interest via a quick online form on our website:
salfordlourdes. co. uk
Alternatively you can call the pilgrimage office on 0161 817 2209.
Please note that there is no commitment to join us by registering your interest.
Thank you.

09/08/2026

We know that for many the ‘Lourdes blues’ will have well and truly taken hold as we return home and back to our normal routines.
To help us all with this, if you have any photos or memories you’d like to share from this year’s pilgrimage please put them on your social media and tag us in them.
⭐ Please make sure you have the consent of others in the photo before posting ⭐
We’ll start things off with this beautiful photo of the Rosary Basilica, taken by Olivia Randles from St Winifred’s Parish. 📷

06/08/2026

Thank you for your presence.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your laughter.
Thank you for your tears.
Thank you for your singing.
Thank you for your conversation.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you for your respect.
Thank you for your company.
Thank you for the signing.
Thank you for the small acts of kindness.
Thank you for doing your shift when you wanted to stay in bed.
Thank you for joining in the sing songs.
Thank you for not leaving out the pilgrim sat alone.
Thank your for your patience.
Thank you for asking if they were ok.
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for the teamwork.
Thank you for the ice cream.
Thank you for the hugs.
Thank you for the night shifts.
Thank you for being you.
Thank you for saying yes.
Thank you for being ‘the helping hand.’
Thank you Salford Lourdes 2026 . . and thank you for the conga!!

💙 🙏 💙

06/08/2026

Our young people have arrived safely by coach into Manchester and are making their way home for a well earned rest!
Safe journey home to those still in Lourdes and those who are making their way via alternative routes.
Thanks be to God! 🙏

05/08/2026

Our pilgrimage flight is boarded and about to take off for Liverpool.
You can track via the link below.
Safe travel and onward journey to all!
🙏

The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.

05/08/2026

Following the Closing Mass of our pilgrimage yesterday Bishop John blessed candles for all pilgrims and also lit our Diocesan candle which continues the prayers for the intentions of all here in Lourdes and at home in our diocese.
In the evening our young people gathered for their closing reflection and also lit the candles for their intentions.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.
Stay with us, Lord, on our journey.