Preparations for the next Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes are well under way. The dates for the 2008 pilgrimage are 23rd – 30th May. This will be a special year as it is the 150th Anniversary since Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette.
To be cared for by the medical and nursing team on the pilgrimage you must be a Registered Sick Pilgrim. (Or VIP as we like to say). Anyone who is not registered sick who becomes unwell in Lourdes would usually seek help via their tour operator who will arrange for them to be seen by a local French Doctor. This allows the pilgrimage doctors to give all their attention to the VIP’s in their care.
To apply to go to Lourdes as a sick pilgrim you will firstly need to contact the Curial Office – Telephone 01642 850505 and ask for Judy. Your details will be taken and you will be sent a pink form to complete and return. Once this is received you will then be sent a Blue form which must be completed by your own doctor or hospital Consultant. (Depending on who completes the form there may be a charge for this) Your doctor will advise whether or not you are fit to fly and travel to Lourdes. Following receipt of the blue form you will be visited at home by a pilgrimage nurse who will make a detailed assessment of your needs whilst in Lourdes and during the journey to and from Lourdes. All VIPs must travel with the main pilgrimage by air. Following a nursing assessment, your details will be fed back to the selection committee who will determine whether we can meet your medical and nursing needs. This will also depend on whether we get sufficient volunteer helpers. You will then be advised by letter if you have been accepted to go as registered sick.
In Lourdes there are 2 types of accommodation for our VIPs – The Accueil or a hotel. The Accueil is a purpose built modern building situated across the river from the Grotto. It is described by the Lourdes authorities as neither a hospital nor a hotel but a “unique place for community living”. The Accueil is staffed 24 hours a day by volunteer Doctors and Nurses from the Middlesbrough Diocese. They will endeavour to meet all your medical and nursing needs throughout your stay. Working alongside the clinical staff are male (Brancardiers) and female (Handmaids) helpers who assist in caring for your needs.
VIPs who decide to stay in hotels will need a fit able bodied carer sharing with them. Unfortunately a carer cannot be provided by the pilgrimage due to the demands of the Accueil. You will have 24 hour access to the pilgrimage doctors and will be met by a pilgrimage nurse on a daily basis to address any particular needs. There will also be a diocesan link person in your hotel who you can approach if you encounter any problems during the pilgrimage.
It expected that 2008 will be a busy year with an increased number of applicants so please apply as early as possible. The closing date for applications is 31st January, 2008. Numbers for the Accueil and the hotel are limited; any forms received after this date will only be considered under exceptional circumstances or if there are vacancies.
We look forward to hearing from you – if you require any further information please contact Dr Paddy O’Neill on 01642 892049 or Head Nurse Rachel Forgan on 01642 323236.