To celebrate the Jubilee and to cater for the huge amount of interest in pilgrimages to Lourdes in 2008, Joe Walsh Tours are delighted to offer an extended pilgrimage programme with extra dates and extra flights to mark this unique celebration. Please note that demand is high this year and it is important that you book your preferred pilgrimage date early to avoid disappointment, especially for departures around the time of the Apparitions and in April.

Joe Walsh Tours have been organising pilgrimages to Lourdes since 1961, with early pilgrims travelling by bus and boat before flights to Lourdes from Ireland were introduced shortly afterwards.   Lourdes is the most visited pilgrimage destination in Europe with 6 million pilgrims visiting this small town at the foot of the Pyrenées every year. Since 1858 an estimated 200 million people have visited Lourdes.   On 11 February 1858 Bernadette Soubirous, along with her sister and a friend went to gather firewood at a place called the Roc de Massabielle. Bernadette saw a “beautiful lady” who continued to appear to her 18 times in total up to 16th July of the same year.   It was what the Lady said on the 13th apparition, on 28th February that was to be decisive for Lourdes’ future. “Go tell the priests to build a chapel here and come here in procession”. On 25th March, during the 16th apparition the Lady revealed herself by saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception”.   On 18th January 1962 the local bishop spoke on behalf of the church and confirmed “The Virgin Mary has truly appeared to Bernadette Soubirous”.   Today Lourdes is a place of universal meeting and sharing, prayer and celebration of life. The serenity and tranquillity of Lourdes has brought peace of mind to many pilgrims.   During the Jubilee celebrations the message of Lourdes will be highlighted through 12 different themes or missions, taking place at different times of the year.