Artur Hanula
As reported by the portal of the Polish Catholic Mission in France Polskifr.fr, this year’s pilgrimage, which took place on May 14-16, was attended by approximately 160 people, including about 50 children and young people. Representatives of Polish diaspora parishes and communities in France were present, as well as guests from the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales.
“I am glad that we could be here together, pray for all parishes, in all our Polish diaspora intentions. We remember the entire Polish diaspora in Europe,” Bishop Robert Chrząszcz stated in an interview for Polskifr.fr.
Rich pilgrimage program
The pilgrimage began on Thursday, May 14, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, celebrated in France. To start, the faithful participated in an international Holy Mass in the Basilica of St. Pius X, presided over by the President of the French Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline. Among the concelebrants were the Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission in France, Father Bogusław Brzyś, and other priests serving daily in France.
On the remaining days of the pilgrimage, Poles also participated in Holy Masses in the Upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, presided over by Bishop Chrząszcz, and in the Grotto of Apparitions, presided over by Father Brzyś.
The stay in Lourdes also included, among other things: a penitential service, a Eucharistic procession, the Way of the Cross, a Marian procession, and a conference dedicated to the apparitions of the Mother of God in 1858, who appeared several times to St. Bernadette Soubirous.
40 years of the Polish House in Lourdes
Pilgrims to Lourdes also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Polish House “Bellevue,” which is currently cared for by the brothers of the Society of the Holy Spirit. Previously, the Sisters of Nazareth served in this place, followed by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Jubilee pilgrimage in 2027
Before the Holy Mass in the Grotto of Apparitions, Father Bogusław Brzyś invited everyone to next year’s 150th jubilee pilgrimage, which will take place on May 6-8, 2027.
As the Polskifr.fr portal reminds, it has become a tradition that the pilgrimage organized by the Polish Catholic Mission in France takes place around the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.
Leo XIV in Lourdes?
The Director of the Holy See Press Office announced on Saturday, May 16, the date of Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to France. It will take place in September 2026. The Pope will visit Paris and other locations.
Apart from Paris, the stages of the papal journey in France are not yet confirmed. They are to be announced at a later date. One of them may be the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Lourdes.
