Contact: Angela Searle
Telephone: 020 8337 5016
email: SearleAMaol [dot] com

The Raphael Pilgrimage was founded by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire in 1954 for the purpose of taking sick and disabled pilgrims to Lourdes and caring for and praying with them throughout their stay. This group travels to Lourdes each September, taking as many sick people as possible, along with our own doctors, nurses and lay helpers.  We welcome new and past helpers of all disciplines. 

A very successful Raphael Southern Reunion took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Wimbledon on Saturday 18th June 2011, with Mass at 6.30pm in the Church, supper in the Parish Lounge and raffle.

The pre-pilgrimage Mass was said in the Parish Lounge on the evening of Friday 2nd September and was attended by pilgrims and supporters.

This year's Pilgrimage took place from 5th to 9th September 2011.  A group of around eighty pilgrims and helpers enjoyed a week of almost non-stop warm sunshine and participated in daily Mass and processions in the Domaine.  They visited the Rosary Basilica, Grotto and Baths, the riverside Stations of the Cross and the village of St. Savin for a day out with picnic.

The dates for the 2012 Pilgrimage are Monday 3rd to Friday 7th September.  We are seeking helpers of all disciplines, especially nurses and health care assistants.  Early expressions of interest are welcomed.  The number of pilgrims we can take depends entirely on the number of helpers we can provide.

Visit www.communigate.co.uk/oxford/raphaellourdespilgrimage for more details or contact Angela as above.