In 1923 the first official Diocesan pilgrimage set off from Liverpool for Lourdes, making it the earliest and most continual pilgrimage from England, interrupted only by the period of the Second World War and Covid-19 restrictions. Since then, many thousands of pilgrims have faithfully made their way to the small town of Lourdes in the foothills of the Pyrenees, following the request of Our Lady to St. Bernadette in 1858 to 'come here in procession'.

Always pointing us towards Jesus Christ, her Son, Our Lady of Lourdes calls us to prayer, penance, the Eucharist and life in the Church. As a result, Lourdes is a place of healing, both spiritual and physical. From the very beginning, even while the Apparitions were still taking place, those who were sick or suffering from infirmities of one kind or another came to the Grotto of Massabielle to wash in the waters of the spring uncovered by Bernadette as instructed by Our Lady.

Since then, many changes have taken place in Lourdes, but those who are sick have remained at the heart of its mission. So too, our own Pilgrimage has faced many challenges over the years, most notably in modes of transport, but always with its focus on the service of those who are sick and helping them to experience the peace and joy of this holy place.

In 2002, the Liverpool Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Association was established as an independent charity, and registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (Registered Charity 1091132).