This week (25-31 July) Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, accompanied by his four auxiliary bishops, will lead over 1,000 pilgrims on the Westminster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Travelling by coach, train and plane, the pilgrims will converge on Lourdes for a week of prayer and retreat. Many of those travelling are invalids who come to Lourdes to pray especially for healing of body and mind. They will be accompanied by special carers to assist them during their visit to the Grotto of Our Lady as well as partaking in the many processions and Masses throughout the week.

The theme for this year at Lourdes is 'The Lord is my Rock' and this theme will be carried across the liturgies. The team facilitating the Diocesan At Your Word, Lord renewal programme will also be taking part in the pilgrimage. A particular focus of the renewal programme is the creation of small faith sharing communities. At Lourdes these groups will be formed in the hotels and pilgrims will gather in groups of 6 - 8 to share the word of God and pray the Rosary.

The Cardinal commented, 'I am very much looking forward to leading so many pilgrims from right across the Diocese of Westminster and beyond on this year's pilgrimage to Lourdes. Each year this pilgrimage is a time of great blessing and fellowship for those present. Without fail, each time we come to Lourdes, we are renewed and strengthened by the Lord especially through the intercession of His Mother. We ask for her blessing for each one of us in the Diocese throughout this special time.'