Welcome to the Irish Association of Lourdes Hospitalités
The Irish Association of Lourdes Hospitalités (IALH) represents the lay leadership teams of the major Irish pilgrimages to Lourdes including dioceses, religious congregations, and others such as the Order of Malta and the Irish Association of Lourdes Volunteers.
A core leadership team, alongside the Director, oversees and coordinates the hundreds of volunteers involved, the pilgrimage Hospitalité.
The IALH’s primary purpose is to provide a platform for pilgrimage leaders to share experiences, improve practices, and make recommendations to Lourdes authorities, including the Sanctuaries’ Rector and Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes.
Additionally, IALH participates in the Federations’ initiative established by the Rector of Lourdes, which connects pilgrimage organisations across Europe, fostering collaboration, and addressing common challenges.
Looking across the River Gave towards the Rosary Basilica, that sits above the Grotto of Massabielle
The Irish Association of Lourdes Hospitalités (IALH) is the national body in Ireland that brings together the lay leadership teams of the major Irish pilgrimages to Lourdes.
The History of Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The story of Bernadette Soubirous and the eightenn apparitions of Our Lady to her at the grotto of Massabielle in 1858 attracted believers from all parts of the world. Among these early pilgrims were the Irish, whose fervent devotion and dedication to their faith led to the establishment of the first organised, English-language pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1883. This pilgrimage, spearheaded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition that continues to this day. Pilgrimage Hospitalités ensure the continuation of the tradition.
Pilgrimages to Lourdes in the modern day
Without the volunteers of the pilgrimage Hospitalités, who bring their many professional skills for the service of the sick, pilgrimage to Lourdes would not be possible.
Today’s pilgrimages to Lourdes from Ireland are a far cry from those early days. Pilgrimages now depart from airports in Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Belfast, and Knock, reflecting the widespread participation of Irish pilgrims. The logistics of organising these trips have become increasingly complex, with modern-day challenges such as busy airports, stringent security procedures, and the need to accommodate large groups of people, many of whom have mobility issues or health concerns.
The Role of Pilgrimage Hospitalités
The pilgrimage Hospitalités play a vital role in ensuring that these journeys run smoothly. Their responsibilities within the pilgrimage include assisting pilgrims with mobility challenges, providing medical care for those who are ill, and supporting elderly participants who may require additional help. The work of the Hospitalités is a testament to the spirit of service and compassion that underpins these pilgrimages, ensuring that every pilgrim can participate fully, regardless of their physical condition.
Continuing the Tradition
As the world changes, so too do the ways in which pilgrimages are organised and experienced. However, the core values of faith, service, and community that underpin the Irish pilgrimages to Lourdes remain constant. Lourdes is more than just a physical trip; it is first and foremost, a spiritual experience. The experience of visiting the sacred sites, participating in masses, and joining in communal prayers and processions can be deeply transformative. The IALH and the pilgrimage Hospitalités continue to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting this cherished tradition, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Looking to the Future
Pilgrimage to Lourdes is not without its challenges, both economic – the cost of pilgrimage – and managing compliance with the changing demands of airports and airlines. Nevertheless, the future of Irish pilgrimages to Lourdes looks bright, with ongoing efforts to make these journeys more accessible and inclusive for all participants. Innovations in travel and healthcare, combined with the continued commitment of the Irish Hospitalités to the values of faith and service, will ensure that this tradition remains a vibrant and meaningful part of the Irish Catholic experience for years to come.
Upcoming Events
Dementia & Lourdes- factors to consider when accepting an Assisted Pilgrim
This workshop considers the benefits to the individual, the problems that can arise and solutions, as well as guidance on how to prepare. This is especially for those on the medical and nursing teams, however, any of our members are welcome to register and attend.
Following REGISTRATION, you will receive the Zoom link.
The workshop will be led by Dr Siobhan Kennelly, CMO with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate pilgrimage and will be chaired by Dr Jerry O’Flynn, CMO for the Cloyne Diocesan pilgrimage.
Wednesday, April 2 8:00pm
By Zoom
Managing a death in Lourdes
Sadly, and while not frequent, death of an Assisted Pilgrim while in Lourdes happens from time to time. In this workshop, Dr Maeve O’Reilly, former CMO with the Dublin Diocesan pilgriamge will provide key insights on how to manage these sensitive situations when they happen in Lourdes. Maeve will also share her experience on the care and management of Assisted Pilgrims who are receiving palliative care.
Following REGISTRATION, you will receive the Zoom link.
The chair of this session will be announced shortly.
Wednesday, April 16 8:00pm
By Zoom
Nursing Students in Lourdes
Several Irish pilgrimages have included nursing students, studying in Ireland, to their Medical & Nursing team and the feedback is excellent. This workshop is to provide an insight into what is required, in terms of the students, their college, and the pilgrimage. It will also deal with topics such as funding.
Following REGISTRATION, you will receive the Zoom link.
This workshop will be chaired by Síle O’Grady, Chief Nurse with Cloyne pilgrimage.
TBA
By Zoom
IALH Annual Conference 2025
The Annual Conference of the IALH will take place at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.
Further details will be provided closer to the date.
Days to go
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Sunday, November 2
Hodson Bay Hotel
Athlone.
NEWS
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