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World News

Thousands flock to cathedrals to see relics of St Bernadette

by Donna Birrell

Thousands of people are flocking to cathedrals and churches to visit the relics of the Lourdes visionary St Bernadette.

The relics - which are part of the physical remains of a saint after their death or objects that have been in contact with their body - are on a tour of England, Scotland and Wales. This week they've been visiting Liverpool, Sheffield, Doncaster and Middlesbrough.

St Bernadette was born into a poor family in 1844. Between 11th February 11 and 16th July 1858, she saw the Virgin Mary 18 times in a series of apparitions that took place in a cave on the outskirts of Lourdes, a place now known as the Grotto. In 1866, Bernadette left Lourdes to live out her religious vocation within the community of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. She died in 1879 and became a saint in 1933.

In Middlesbrough, volunteers gave out 3,000 Miraculous Medals to those attending, but supplies ran out well before the end of the event because of the large number of pilgrims.
 
Dean of St Mary's Cathedral, Monsignor Gerard Robinson, said the event went even better than expected: "I've thoroughly enjoyed the visit. I think it's renewed and restored people's faith, as well as giving them hope in these difficult times we live in.

"Seeing so many people come gives me hope as well. I was amazed at the number of young people who came and the prayerful way they placed their medals against the relics.

"There was a prayerful atmosphere throughout, and so many people took the chance to go to confession, including some people who hadn't been for over 40 years.

"It's wonderful for a priest to be part of that because it's a huge part of the person's life that somehow is coming together."

Keith Tillotson from the Diocese of Middlesbrough who organised the event, said it was a real team effort :

"The visit was a massive success. 
"This was an event that will live long in the memory of many people. The many highlights included the arrival, our Mass of Anointing, night prayers by torchlight, Lourdes music and Mass and, of course, the intimate quiet times with the relics. The whole visit was emotional and deeply touching." 

The Dean of Yorkshire Cathedral which welcomed the relics on Monday, Very Rev Matthew Habron described it as an "historic and unique occasion".

The tour of the relics concludes on 30th October at the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London in Westminster.


 

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