Lourdes
Each year more than five million people visit Lourdes. This place (which nestles in the foothills of the Pyrenees) is where Bernadette Soubirous saw visions of Our Lady, and whose holy waters are said to have miraculously healing properties. During Easter week, the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT) takes over 2,000 children who have different needs on pilgrimage holidays there. The children are cared for by some 3,000 helpers, including doctors, nurses and chaplains to give specialist support. Adult groups with different needs can stay at Hosanna House.
Many parishioners from Holy Innocents Parish have been to Lourdes, either at Easter with the children, or to Hosanna House as part of an HCPT group.
If you are thinking about going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes and feel able at the same time to help look after some very special children, then please contact:
John Bush via the Parish Office:
Tel: 01689 817 537; Fax: 01689 817 539
or The Pilgrimage Trust 01737 353 311
hg@hcpt.org.uk or www.lourdes-france.com/.
Walsingham
This beautiful shrine, dedicated to Our Lady and dating back to 1061, is tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Norfolk.
Holy Innocents' Parish coordinates the Day of Prayer for Vocations, which takes place each year at Walsingham and in which Parishioners regularly take part as pilgrims, as well as providing the moving and joyful music for the day.
The annual Vocational Pilgrimage takes place each year in June.
Contact: Deacon James 870 585 (or email Deacon James) or www.walsingham.org.uk.
Aylesford
The Carmelite Friars were introduced to England in 1242 by returning Crusaders. The first Friars were hermits on Mount Carmel, but hospitality was one of the Order's original values. Coaches are always organised for visits to Diocesan events held at the Priory.
Contact: www.carmelites.org.