Under Bishop Christopher's leadership, the 2010 Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage takes place from 28 May to 4 June with the theme 'Making the Sign of the Cross'. The cost, travelling by air from Exeter, is £665. Financial assistance is available for sick and disabled pilgrims.

On the pilgrimage, there is always a great need for carers/companions. If you are interested in helping in such a way, or if you would like to join the pilgrimage, please contact our Pilgrimage Director, Mrs Sue King, at Bishop's House, 31 Wyndham Street West, Plymouth, PL1 5RZ. T: 01752 224414; E: sue [at] plymouth-diocese [dot] org [dot] uk. To download the pilgrimage poster, please click on the attachment below.

A Message from Bishop Christopher

In 2009, we followed the spiritual journey of Bernadette. Now we are invited to discover our own spirituality, by exploring a simple yet profound gesture which we as Christians know so well that we scarcely give it a second thought.

As Pope Benedict XVI said on his own pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2008, "the Sign of the Cross is the synthesis of our faith". So Bishop Perrier has put before us as the pastoral theme for 2010 ‘Making the Sign of the Cross with Bernadette'. For it was a gesture that Bernadette, imitating Our Blessed Lady, made with notable care and reverence.

We go to Mary's place as the Diocese on pilgrimage, and our main task is to pray for all who belong to the Diocese of Plymouth. Let us use our week to deepen our understanding of what the Sign of the Cross means to us.

Do please consider joining us.