Lourdes Pilgrimage
Jubilee Year Pilgrimage
"With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope" - 2025
The Goan Chaplaincy Swindon
Pilgrimage to Lourdes with Rev. Fr. Mark Furtado SFX
This 5-day escorted pilgrimage includes return flights with British Airways from Heathrow to Toulouse, private group transfers, staying in 3* Hotel Astoria Vatican, all meals included & a full religious itinerary.
12 - 16 August 2025
FULLY BOOKED
Overview
Dear friends, with heartfelt joy, the Goan Chaplaincy in Swindon extend a warm invitation to embark on a spiritual journey to Lourdes during the Jubilee Year of 2025.
This sacred year, marked by the pastoral theme “With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope,” calls each of us to rekindle our faith, renew our trust in God’s promises, and embrace the hope that flows abundantly from Our Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Lourdes, a place of profound grace and healing, continues to echo the tender call of Mary to her children. Here, in the grotto where she appeared to St Bernadette, the faithful encounter the transformative power of prayer, the sacraments, and the solidarity of the universal Church. It is a haven where the weary find rest, the sick find solace, and all who seek the Lord find a renewed sense of purpose and peace.
As pilgrims of hope, you are invited to walk with Mary, who leads us gently yet steadfastly to her Son, Jesus Christ. Let this pilgrimage be a time to:
- Deepen Your Faith: Participate in the Eucharist, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and join in communal prayer, especially the Rosary.
- Celebrate Hope: Witness the joyful testimony of fellow pilgrims and the enduring vitality of the Church.
- Be Agents of Mercy: Carry forward the graces you receive by embodying compassion, kindness, and love in your daily lives.
The Jubilee Year is a unique opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary gift of hope that God offers to the world through Mary. May our steps toward Lourdes be guided by the light of Christ, and may Mary, our Mother, intercede as we undertake this sacred journey. Together, as pilgrims of hope, let us walk in the assurance of God’s infinite mercy and love.
In Christ’s peace and Mary’s maternal care,
Fr. Mark Furtado SFX
Whats included in this tour
- Return flights from Heathrow T3 to Toulouse Airport (BRITISH AIRWAYS)
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in Hotel on a full-board basis (12 meals)
- Luxury coach transfers to & from your hotel
- 1 suitcase per passenger not exceeding 23 kg & 1 item of hand-luggage not exceeding 23 Kg
- Walking tour of Lourdes visiting places associated with the life of St. Bernadette
- Services of an Anam Cara Travel guide throughout the pilgrimage
- All local taxes & tolls including ATOL Protection, Pilgrim Levy Tax & Lourdes City Tax (€2,50 per night)
Whats not included in this tour
- Travel Insurance - mandatory! This must be arranged by each pilgrim.
- Single room Supplement - £130 (limited availability!)
- Additional suitcases (if required)
ITINERARY
PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary. The final itinerary will be sent by post 3-weeks prior to departure (Flight times are accurate as of 13 Dec 2024).
Morning – Coach transfer (TBC) from the Swindon to Heathrow Airport (TERMINAL 3).
Flight departure at 07:55am / arrival into Toulouse at 10:40am.
Transfer from Toulouse to Lourdes (2 hr transfer), check-in to hotel at 12:30pm
- Afternoon – Lunch at 1:30pm. Free afternoon to relax before Holy Mass in the Crypt at 5pm. Orientation tour of the Sanctuary.
Evening – meal at 7pm. Free evening to join Marian Torchlight Procession or relax in the hotel.
Morning – After breakfast the group will have an opportunity celebrate Holy Mass in the Poor Clare Convent before visiting the Museum of St Bernadette.
Afternoon – After lunch, a guided walking tour of the town visiting places associated with the life of St Bernadette including her birthplace, the small cell where she lived during the Apparitions and the graveyard where her parents are buried.
Evening – After our evening meal in the hotel, we will participate as a group in the Marian Torchlight Procession.
Morning – Early morning Mass at the Grotto followed by breakfast in the hotel.After breakfast, as a group, we will follow the Way of the Cross (High Stations) followed with free time to visit the Confessional Chapel, the bath’s and participate in the Blessed Sacrament Procession at 5pm.
Afternoon – After lunch, followed with free time to visit the Confessional Chapel, the bath’s and participate in the Blessed Sacrament Procession at 5pm.
Evening – Evening meal served in hotel restaurant. Vigil Torchlight Procession.
Morning – After breakfast the group will have an opportunity join for morning Mass on the Prairie for the Feast Day.
Afternoon – After lunch, optional excursion to Gavarnie, located high in the French Pyrenees (paid locally – price will be determined by interest).
Evening – After our evening meal in the hotel – Procession of the Group Candle & group rosary opposite the Grotto.
Morning – Early breakfast in Hotel before coach transfer to Toulouse airport at 6:30am.
Flight departure at 11:10am / arrival into Heathrow T3 at 12:15pm.
Evening – Coach transfer to Swindon (Time TBC).
Accommodation
Located 150 metres from the entrance to the Sanctuary, the Hotel Astoria Vatican is the ideal base for pilgrims looking to be as close to the most important places in Lourdes.
Consisting of 3 buildings arranged around an interior courtyard, this 3 Star Hotel has a history that makes it unique. Its proximity to the Sanctuary of Our Lady and its traditional decor immerses you in the mysteries of Lourdes. It features a variety of rooms, a bar, a restaurant, lifts, relaxation lounges, a patio with mural, a meeting room and a shop. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, enjoy a location at the heart of the historical center and take part in the many pilgrimages.
For more details, please visit HOTEL ASTORIA VATICAN
FAQs
If you hold a 3rd nationality passport (such as an Indian Passport) you will need apply for a Schengen visa immediately! Once you have submitted your booking form and paid the deposit, we will send by post supporting documents for your visa application. The tour operator cannot apply for the visa on your behalf due to Data Protection. PLEASE NOTE: If for any reason your visa application is rejected; at a minimum, you will lose the price paid for the flights unless the group leader can fill your space prior to ticketing deadline. We will refund at much as possible but the cost of flights is non-refundable!
Once you have submitted your form and paid the deposit, we (Anam Cara Travel) will send by post your supporting documents at the start of March 2025. These will include an electronic flight ticket reference, an ATOL certificate and an invitation letter from the hotel in Lourdes.
Please click on the following link for more details about the visa, and also to start the application process, including securing an appointment date. Applications will open 6 months prior to departure (from 13 March 2025 onward) – https://uk.ambafrance.org/Applying-for-a-French-visa-in-the-United-Kingdom
PLEASE NOTE: In the UK, Tour Operators cannot apply for a visa on your behalf! Applications must be completed & submitted by the client. Tour Operators can only provide supporting documents which are legal.
Currently, UK passport holders do not need to apply for a Visa to enter the EU (although this may change later in 2025; we will inform you of any changes). If you hold an EU Passport, you will not need a visa for this tour.
For UK passport holders, your passport must be valid for 3-month after your return date (17 November 2025). If your passport was issued before 11 August 2015, you will need to apply for a new Passport.
Yes – Travel Insurance is compulsory for our tours! You can arrange insurance online or via the post office. Alternatively, you can request an highly competitive quotation from our appointed partner via our website (read the next question below).
For your travel insurance, we are happy to refer you to Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and whose status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966, ‘Firm Ref’ 305686.
Please click on the following link to open the summary of cover of an insurance product which is suitable for all our trips.
Click to download the GLOBAL SINGLE TRIP – Summary of Cover
To obtain a Quotation, please CLICK HERE which will take you to the GTIS website.
Beyond providing this information, we are not permitted to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.
If you would like any further information about their services, you should contact Global Travel Insurance on 01903 235042.
The deposit per pilgrim is £250. If you would like to pay in full, please contact us in advance.
Of course! You can make installments by card whenever you wish. Just contact us at least 48 hrs in advance so we can prepare a link for the card payment. Alternatively, you can also pay us directly by Bank Transfer (please request more details) – use your Unique Booking Reference when making payments . The full balance will be requested 9-weeks prior to departure (FRIDAY 13 JUNE 2024).
Our flights with British Airways will depart from Heathrow T3 to Toulouse Airport.
OUTBOUND: Tuesday 12 August (depart 07:55am / arrive 10:40am) BA372
INBOUND: Saturday 16 August (depart 11:10am / arrive 12:15pm) BA373
All passengers are permitted one hold luggage (maximum weight of 23 kg) and one item of hand-luggage (maximum weight of 23 kg). You will be advised of the luggage size dimensions in your travel pack (3 weeks prior to departure).
A bottle of water and a small snack (crisps or a cereal bar) is provided complimentary. More substantial meals, beverages & snacks can be purchased on-board the flight but have to be paid by card (cash not accepted)! On the first day, you might consider a hearty breakfast at Heathrow before your flight.
Due to its location in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, the weather in Lourdes is difficult to predict. The weather conditions can change on a daily basis and rain showers can be expected during the summer season. This being said, temperatures can reach the mid-high 20’s, therefore please remember adequate sun screen protection.
Whilst in Lourdes, you are under no obligation to participate in all activities. You are invited to join whenever you wish or make your own time for private prayer / relaxation.
The temperature in Lourdes in mid-August can be warm with rain-showers mainly during the evening. It is advisable to bring a light sweater, a light rainproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are a must! It is best to dress in layers, which can be removed to suit weather conditions. The Shrine request modest dress; no sleeveless shirts. If wearing shorts, ensure your knees are covered.
All meals are covered whilst in Lourdes (starting with lunch on arrival day and ending with breakfast on departure day – 12 meals in total). The group will eat in the Hotel restaurant each day. If you have a special diet or allergy, you must inform your group leader immediately.
There is no kettle in the rooms. We suggest you take with you a small travel kettle and your preferred tea/coffee.
YES, it’s FREE!– The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.
The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance! We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Apply for your Free GHIC card here
Wifi is available in the hotel and is free, However the connection is best in the lobby and bar area (not all rooms have great connections!).
Yes, you will need a power adapter to charge your devices in France. Here’s what you should know:
1. Plug Type: In France, the standard electrical outlet uses Type C and Type E plugs, with two round pins.
2. Voltage and Frequency: The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Most modern devices (like phone chargers and laptops) are compatible with this voltage range, but check your device’s label to be sure.
- The following books are available to order online via Amazon or Google Play:
- A Pilgrim’s Guide to Lourdes and the surrounding area (Book by David Houseley and Peter Latham)
- Lourdes Today: A Pilgrimage to Mary’s Grotto (Book by Kerry Crawford)
- Lourdes: The History and Legacy of France’s Most Famous Christian Pilgrimage Site (Book by Charles Rivers)
