2008: 150 years celebrations

"In 1858, in a cave situated below the town of Lourdes in the south of France, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, in person, on eighteen occasions to Bernadette Soubirous, a very poor 14-year-old girl from Lourdes. The first apparition took place on 11th February and the last took place on 16th July. In 2008, Lourdes will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions."

From www.lourdes2008.com

Conference: You are called by Name 14 - 16 November 2008

In preparing for the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions, Mgr Jacques Perrier, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, identified 12 apostolic themes or missions that are especially relevant to Lourdes.

He asked certain Lourdes pilgrimage organisations to develop one of those themes as a contribution to the celebration of the 2008 Jubilee of the Sanctuaries at Lourdes, HCPT hosted a thought provoking and inspirational conference in Lourdes on a crisp Autumn weekend. 400 international travellers, with a large number from the UK, were enlightened through a range of speeches and seminars on “Disability in the Mission of the Church”.

Delegates were challenged in thought and application on a range of associated topics by a host of renowned speakers including Jean Vanier, Rev. John Swinton, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, Nicholas King SJ and Fr. Michael Drumm. Each recounted tales and experiences to assist those facing issues and concerns, restoring confidence and ensuring a greater understanding and empathy with those affected.

Supplemented in addition by engaging seminars debating specific topics, the conference was also brought alive by Liturgies supported by the wonderful Larondina Dance Company whose dancers received both rapturous applause and a standing ovation at Evening Vigil, with the weekend finally culminating in Mass at the Grotto on Sunday morning.

Departing wearily but fulfilled, delegates left to re-enact Fr. Michael Drumm’s vision of the pilgrims journey and value of returning home to live out our faith through action and application in our own homes and communities.

Mission booklet (pdf)

HCPT - The Pilgrim Trust

2008: 150 years celebrations

Conference: You are called by Name 14 - 16 November 2008

Conference recordings

Transcripts (pdf format)

Transcripts (rtf format)

Have a look at our 2010 photo album