CNY Readers Asked To Nominate Two Lourdes Pilgrims

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Readers of Catholic New York have been invited to nominate two children with disabilities from the archdiocese, along with one parent each, to take part in this summer’s 62nd annual U.S. National Rosary Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.

The offer was extended by Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus Council 5890 in Washingtonville, which annually raises funds to sponsor pilgrims from the archdiocese. Last summer, six children with a range of disabilities made the pilgrimage.

The Lourdes pilgrimage departs on Sunday, June 26, and returns on Tuesday, July 5.

On occasion, Catholic New York has been asked to assist in seeking participants for the pilgrimage. The last time was in 2013, when Walter Kozlowski, co-chairman of the Knights’ pilgrimage, said that his council decided to recognize Catholic New York readers for “generous response” to the initiative over the years.

This year’s pilgrims will attend the International Mass of Lourdes, with participation by all national pilgrimage groups, and a Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, the site of the apparitions of the Blessed Mother to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The itinerary includes tours of places associated with the saint’s life, as well as an opportunity to bathe at the Lourdes Shrine. Also at Lourdes, pilgrims may participate in a Eucharistic procession, blessing of the sick and Benediction.

An excursion is also planned to scenic Gavarnie in the Pyrenees as well as an optional day trip to the fishing village of St. Jean de Luz.

Pilgrimage costs are completely covered for the child and the parent/guardian. The only cost to the family would be obtaining a passport and incidental personal expenses during the pilgrimage. Departure is from JFK Airport in Queens.

The child must be under age 18. Because of airline regulations, he or she must breathe without the assistance of an oxygen machine. Wheelchairs must be collapsible.

Nominations should include the name of the child and parent/guardian, home parish and contact information. There should also be a brief description of the child and why they would benefit from such a pilgrimage.

Readers should send their nominations to Catholic New York’s general email address: cny@cny.org with the words “Lourdes Pilgrimage” in the subject line. They may also be mailed to Catholic New York, 1011 First Ave., New York, NY 10022.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, Feb. 23.