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. 

The 2012 Pilgrimage ran from 3rd to 7th September.  A group of around fifty pilgrims and helpers enjoyed a week of warm sunshine and occasional rain 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 2013 Pilgrimage are Monday 2nd to Friday 6th 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.  Financial assistance is available from the Gilbert Thompson Memorial Fund for those who cannot meet the full cost of the trip.

The Raphael Reunion in the South 2013 will take place here at the Sacred Heart on Saturday 29th June 2012 with Mass at 6.30pm in the Church, followed by a buffet supper with raffle in the Parish Lounge. Funds raised will help to pay for helpers to travel to the airport.

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