In 1858 Our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes and so we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparition. To celebrate this event locally, a group of people from Limerick and surround have come together to organise a charity cycle from Nantes to Lourdes this June to coincide with the Limerick Doiocesan pilgrimage. The 627km cycle will take place from the 14th to 20th June. The moneys collected will go towards the Limerick Diocesan Invalid Fund a very worthy cause.
So what is the Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Limerick Pilgraimage to Lourdes has been in existence since pre World War II
At this time it was the Parish of St.Marys who led and organised the pilgrimage. St.Marys Parish was also known as Mary of the Assumpta, and this name has carried through to present day Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage - "Maria Assumpta" Pilgrimage.
Post World War II the pilgrimage travelled to Lourdes every 3 years , when Limerick became a diocese the Pilgrimage became an annual event
The Pilgrimage takes place between the 21st and 26th June .
A number of people have been involved in the promotion and direction of the Pilgrimage( under the patronage of the Bishop of Limerick ) these would include Bishop Eamon Casey , Fr.Garry Bleuth ,Monsignor Liam Boyle , Fr. Joe Noonan and present day Pilgrimage Director Fr.Donal McNamara.
United Irish Lourdes Pilgrims, this was founded by the Irish Bishops to help keep down the costs. It means that all carriers (planes) chartered by UIPL are back to back, in other words they are full on both outward and inward journeys. Additional seats that are required by Pilgrimages are then acquired from their travel agent.
The pilgrimage continues to grow from strength to strength every year.
2007 Pilgrimage saw up to seven hundred pilgrims including 100 youth, 100 invalids, 150 helpers and between twenty and 25 priests, always led by Our Bishop Donal Murray
Who are the team:
| Cyclists: |
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| Fergal Deegan |
Eoghan Deegan |
Finbarr Brougham |
| Mike Gavin |
Pat Nolan |
Murra O’Byrne |
| Fr.Liam Enright |
Pat Roche |
John Ryan |
| Jonathan McDonald |
Dr.Kevin Manning |
Eoin Jackson |
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| Back Up Team: |
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| Mike O’Donoghue |
Michael Jackson |
Trevor Howell |
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| Physio: |
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| Dr. Karen McCreesh |
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Further details on all upcoming events can be found on the www.lourdescycle.com
If you are interested in becoming involved as a helper with the Pilgrimage and are willing to give up one week of your time in June – then please contact Fr.Donal McNamara, Parochial House, Kildimo Co.Limerick for further details.
This Cycle is a once off event and all the cyclists and team are looking forward to the challenge ahead.
