The relics of St Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage to Ireland for the first time, arriving later this week. The relics will visit every diocese across the island from September 4 to November 5.

The pilgrimage of St Bernadette's relics is a fitting prelude to the launch of the Jubilee Year 2025, which has the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, said the tour will be a source of hope, great joy, and inspiration, especially for the many Irish people who have traveled to Lourdes over the years.

The relics will visit cathedrals and churches in every diocese across Ireland, north and south, with the full programme available on the dedicated website.

A History of the Relics

Our Lady is said to have appeared 18 times to the young girl named Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Born at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in 1844, Bernadette died in 1879 and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1933.

Bernadette's body was exhumed on April 18, 1925, for her beatification and was found to be uncorrupted. It was then decided to place it in the chapel of the Sisters of Nevers where it is still visible today.

The relics of St Bernadette are parts of her body that were removed after she was exhumed - including bones, muscle tissue, and hair samples. These relics are considered to be a tangible connection to the saint, and they are often venerated by pilgrims who seek her intercession.

The Message of Lourdes

The Grotto of Lourdes is visited by millions each year. Many miracles have been attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, and due to this, February 11, the date of the first apparition, is dedicated as the World Day of the Sick.

The relics of St Bernadette will help to remind us of Lourdes as a place of prayer and compassion for the sick and vulnerable, said Archbishop Martin. He emphasized that over generations, Irish people of all ages have volunteered to help in various ways in Lourdes and have been uplifted themselves by the experience of serving and caring. In welcoming the relics, faith communities around the country will pray in the ‘spirit of Lourdes’ and come to know the message of Our Lady, a message of enduring relevance for us today.

The message of Lourdes is one of hope, healing, and faith. It is a reminder that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments, and that we can always turn to him for comfort and support. The relics of St Bernadette are a powerful symbol of this message, and their visit to Ireland is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lourdes.

The Relics in Ireland

The event is being facilitated by Lourdes Pilgrimage directors and the shrine. Each diocese will have their own schedule to celebrate the saint, with the relics set to arrive in Belfast at St Mary’s church on Chapel Lane in the city centre on Tuesday, October 15.

The pilgrimage will begin in Galway on September 5, when the relics will be displayed at Galway Cathedral. From there, they will travel to different dioceses across Ireland, including Mayo, Kilkenny, and Kildare. The Interactive map below shows all of the locations the relic will visit during the pilgrimage this autumn.

The relics of St Bernadette represent a chance for Irish people to experience the spirit of Lourdes firsthand and to pray for healing and hope. The pilgrimage will be a unique opportunity for those of us engaged in bringing pilgrimages to Lourdes, to bring the message and a little ‘taste’ of Lourdes to local communities. This is a unique opportunity for those who may not be able to travel to Lourdes to experience the grace of an encounter with Mary as Bernadette experienced it. By venerating the relics, people of faith can encounter peace and joy of heart and become credible and courageous witnesses of love.

The Lasting Legacy of St. Bernadette

Saint Bernadette once wrote: 'One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them. I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Mother in all the splendour of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.'

The pilgrimage of the relics of St Bernadette is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Lourdes and its message of hope, healing, and faith. The relics are a powerful symbol of this message and their visit to Ireland is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lourdes. The journey of the relics is sure to be a significant event for Irish Catholics, offering them a chance to reconnect with their faith and to experience the powerful message of Lourdes firsthand.

The relics of St Bernadette will help to remind us of Lourdes as a place of prayer and compassion for the sick and vulnerable and will be a source of hope, great joy, and inspiration for many people in Ireland.