The journey to Lourdes

The journey to Lourdes began with a 9am flight from Manchester Airport. The check in was very well handled considering how busy the airport was. Once we were ready for boarding things slowed down a little. There was a fault on the loading equipment. So we were delayed for about an hour or so.

The flight went well, we arrived in Lourdes in heavy rain. There was a long wait for the luggage. Then there was as problem with out hotel coach, which meant another delay. We did not arrive to hotel until 3.45pm.

At 5.30 there was a quiet Mass in the upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Fr Peter Groody being the main celebrant.

After Mass had finished I went for a brief visit to the Grotto. It was busy!

My pilgrimage to Lourdes begins

This year I am joining our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes led by our Bishop: Bishop Michael Campbell OSA. The pilgrimage actually starts tomorrow, but as the flight to Tarbes is rather early I have travelled down to the airport  the night before. I decided the best plan was to take the train from Penrith to Manchester Airport.

This is my train arriving at Penrith - a class 350 emu operated by TranPennine Express. The journey was uneventful except for one of the mysteries of train travel. The seat next to me was reserved, but the person didn't show up. I checked in to the hotel. It's on the 6th floor and overlooks the airport. I have a good view of take offs and landings.

The flight tomorrow is at 9am, with a 7am check in, hence my decision to come down the night before!

MY NEW BLOG

A very brief introduction to my new Blog. I am not really sure what form it will take at the moment. It will be a mixture of religion and other things that I like. These will include my walks, my love of trains, my holidays. There might even be some history thrown in!.

For the Catholic "thing", it is my intention to try and show the faith in a positive light. I don't particularly want it to be a moaning blog about the ills of the world and my own country. Having said that I have to be realistic and there are times when I may have to say something controversial. As for internal church politics I am happy to leave that to others!