Loved up in Lourdes: Married Limerick couple return to special place they first met

FATHER Frank O’Dea was appointed director of the Limerick Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage four years ago but this is the first time he has gone to France since!

Covid stopped the pilgrimage from 2020 to 2022 and even this year assisted pilgrims couldn’t go on medical advice. Fr O’Dea, who has just returned to Lourdes with over 160 men, women and teenagers, said it was great to be back to where apparitions of the Virgin Mary occurred in 1858.

“It was a very good week - a lovely, relaxed, family atmosphere. A lot were delighted to be back and we had quite a few who went for the first time - they really enjoyed the experience,” said Fr O’Dea, who took on the role from long-serving Canon Donal McNamara.

The Newcastle West-based priest said the assisted pilgrims will return next year and he asked for helpers and especially nurses to get in touch if they wish to offer their expertise in 2024.

Fr O’Dea said of the 160 who travelled there were around 50 youth and a dozen youth leaders.

“They are actually key to the pilgrimage - they bring vibrancy, carry banners, steward and guide people during the eucharistic and candlelight processions, and are very involved in the closing ceremony with music and song,” said Fr O’Dea.

Two of the youth leaders - married couple Áine and James Malone - actually met in Lourdes as teenagers. They were friends for a few years before becoming a couple and then man and wife last year.

Áine (née Hogan), from Ballyneety, said Lourdes is a huge part of her and James’, from Patrickswell, lives. They started as youth, progressed through to going with the musicians and brancardier respectively and were then asked to be youth leaders.

“Lourdes holds a special place in our hearts. It is just a tremendous community that has built up over the years among the people who go. A lot of our friends - we have met through Lourdes,” said Áine.

James says that sense of community continues all year round with other events, trips and fundraising. This was their first pilgrimage going as a married couple and many at the wedding had been to Lourdes.

“It is a wonderful place and continues to have a huge impact on people’s lives. I was in my local shop where I met a 16-year-old girl who went this year. She absolutely can’t wait to go back again next year. It just goes to show it is still having the same impact it had on us 15 years ago,” said Áine.