Excerpted from a recent ‘Ad Clerum’ from Bishop Robson

CENTENARY OF CARFIN GROTTO AND THE SCOTTISH VISIT OF THE RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE:

As I am sure you already know, this year 2022 is the Centenary of the Lourdes Grotto, the National Marian Shrine, at Carfin. It is also the occasion of the Visitation of the Relics of St. Bernadette, to whom Our Lady appeared in Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle on a number of occasions in 1858. The relics will be arriving in Carfin from Saturday, 24th September until Friday, 30th September 2022. The Guardian of the Shrine, Fr Jim Grant, has organised a programme of events for each day beginning on Monday, 26th September, which I enclose with this notice. The Shrine can be visited any day during this September week, though the timetable enclosed begins fully on the Monday. There are designated days allowing for all, individuals and groups, to visit the Shrine (Tuesday-Friday) with the exceptions of the Sunday 25th September which has a separate timetable.

Given the distance from Carfin, it might be sensible and appropriate to concentrate our efforts on the National Centenary Pilgrimage on Sunday 25th September when the Mass will begin at 3pm. Following the Mass, there will be a Rosary Procession in the Grounds.

May I therefore ask all parish priests to advertise this special day of the Centenary Mass in parish bulletins and newsletters. I am sure some parishes may organise bus trips or car-sharing to enable those parishioners who do not have their own transport to join the Pilgrimage.