Thousands of people flocked to St Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough and Our Lady of Lourdes & St Peter Chanel, Hull, to visit the relics of Lourdes visionary St Bernadette.
At the cathedral, volunteers gave out 3,000 Miraculous Medals to those attending, but supplies ran out well before the end of the event because of the large number who came.
Monsignor Gerard Robinson said the event went even better than expected.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the visit as the parish priest here,” he said. “I think it’s renewed and restored people’s faith, as well as giving them hope in these difficult times we live in,” said Monsignor Robinson.
“Seeing so many people come gives me hope as well. I was amazed at the number of young people who came and the prayerful way they placed their medals against the relics.
“There was a prayerful atmosphere throughout, and so many people took the chance to go to confession, including some people who hadn’t been for over 40 years.
“It’s wonderful for a priest to be part of that because it’s a huge part of the person’s life that somehow is coming together.”
Monsignor Robinson thanked the volunteers who worked hard ahead of the visit and throughout the night.
Bishop Terry presided at services throughout the 24 hours. He was then in Hull as the relics returned to the diocese for an overnight stay.
The Hull visit included a service of reception with Mass and anointing, before public veneration and Rosary led by young people and the Polish community.
Veneration and confessions continued through the night before morning prayer and Mass, before the relics departed at 6.45am.
Diocese of Middlesbrough Lourdes director Keith Tillotson, who organised the visit, said it was a real team effort.
“The visit was a massive success for the diocese, for our Lourdes pilgrimage and for both churches,” he said.
“We showed compassion, spirituality, friendship, commitment and professionalism throughout the visit.
“This was an event that will live long in the memory of many people. The many highlights included the arrival, our Mass of Anointing, night prayers by torchlight, Lourdes music and Mass and, of course, the intimate quiet times with the relics.
“The water gesture was a popular service, replicating the experience of pilgrims visiting the baths in Lourdes. It was also very special to see around 600 young people from our schools taking part.
“The whole visit was emotional and deeply touching. We have a fantastic Lourdes team, and it’s a privilege to work with them all.”
Mr Tillotson also thanked those who arranged the flowers, the cathedral music team and choir and the Lourdes musicians.
Monsignor Robinson is hoping the event will inspire more people to go to Lourdes from May 26 to June 2 2023, when the diocese will celebrate its 70th pilgrimage.
“Throughout the visit, we took the names of people who came along for a little taste of Lourdes and now want to do their bit and become part of this amazing Lourdes experience.”
The visit was part of a national tour and is the first time the relics have come to the UK. The tour also included a stop at Ampleforth Abbey.
To learn more about the Middlesbrough pilgrimage, visit middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/Lourdes or email Keith Tillotson at pilgrimagedirector@rcdmidd.org.uk.