Our Lady of Dover celebrates 30 years since their first parish pilgrimage to Lourdes
Over 20 pilgrims visit Lourdes
The pilgrimage during Easter week was led by Father John Panario who has been visiting Lourdes since he was a student in the 1960s, and has been helping as both a Priest and a Brancardier since.
He first took parishioners in 1996 by ferry and train, then later by Eurostar from Ashford, but in recent years flying from Stansted has proved an easier option for the less able.
This year a group of 22 pilgrims included some from the neighbouring parish of The Good Shepherd in Dover and others with links with the parish. Father Gabriel Onoyima from the Good Shepherd and Father Godwin Godwin Alkali from St. Michael the Archangel, Chatham. accompanied them and assisted in Lourdes.
The pilgrims all agreed it was a very moving experience. They were able to spend time with Our Lady at the Grotto and to join in Mass at several venues, and Benediction in the afternoon. The Parish banner was displayed as they processed to services and in the candlelight procession in the evening.
Candles were lit for the people of the parishes represented. The pilgrims hope to bring back the joy of Lourdes to share with the rest of the parish.
Story and photo provided by Our Lady of Dover
