Relics of St Bernadette in Archdiocese of Southwark

Source: Archdiocese of Southwark

The Relics of St Bernadette arrived at St George's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Southwark on Wednesday morning for two days until 9.30 am on Friday 21st October 2022. They will go on to Aylesford Priory in Kent between 24th - 28th October 2022. The invitation to host the Relics was issued by the French Pyrenean Shrine of Lourdes, which normally hosts the relics in its Upper Basilica, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The relics are being hosted in every Catholic Diocese in England and Wales during their 2022 Autumn Tour, which began in September and will end on the last day of October. The generous offer was made, mindful of the fact that many Catholics were unable to travel internationally to Lourdes during the pandemic, and it will serve to remind UK Catholics of the importance of pilgrimage in our lives: journeying to find truth, purpose and direction in God, who is love.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese said: "We are honoured to welcome the Relics of St Bernadette to St George's Cathedral and Aylesford Priory. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are blessed that this inspiring saint, whose faith has led to so many miraculous healings, comes directly to us at this challenging time for our world. With great gratitude, may we experience the joy of Lourdes here in the South-east of England, remembering to pray for all who are afflicted in any way. We thank the authorities at Lourdes, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and the Tour organisers for making this visit possible."

Tour dates within the Archdiocese of Southwark:

Wednesday 19th - Friday 21st October 2022
St George's Cathedral
Lambeth Road
London SE1

Monday 24th October - Friday 28th October 2022
Aylesford Priory
Aylesford
Kent
ME20 7BX / Y

For full details of the visit to St Bernadette's Relics to the Archdiocese of Southwark visit: www.rcaos.org.uk

Watch today's Mass for the arrival of the Relics: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSf0gFqQuEc