Our diocese said Bon Voyage to the relics of Saint Bernadette on Thursday morning following a farewell Mass at 7.00am celebrated by Bishop David Oakley. The relics will now be making their way to Norwich Cathedral in the diocese of East Anglia.
The relics had been at our Cathedral since Monday and had received over 2000 visitors alongside several thousand virtual visitors through the live stream. Parishes from across the diocese travelled by car, coach, bus, train or on foot to spend a few moments praying next to the relics. Hundreds of prayer intentions were written and have begun their journey to the Grotto in Lourdes. A consistent flow of visitor kept candles burning and every visitor took home a small bottle of Lourdes water.
Many pilgrims attended the healing services for a variety of reasons and some immediately spoke of the power they had felt just being close to Bernadette.
“Such a memorable experience. I have felt closer to Jesus with every step towards the relics”
One parishioner said she had felt the power of God as she approached the relics. “I didn’t know what to expect as we travelled here”, the Lady from Luton shared “But as we entered the Church I knew God wanted me to be here”.
The relics visited our Cathedral as part of the Relic Tour 2022.
As the relics departed Bishop David Oakley said
“As we bid farewell to Bernadette, we continue to pray for all the intentions which have been placed before her over the last few days. I want to talk about gratitude. Gratitude to Bernadette for all she has bought to our diocese since her arrival on Monday. She has bought us closer to the Blessed Trinity. How many people have a new spring in their step for their pilgrim journey?”
Photos from the visit can be viewed here