THE history of RAPHAEL pilgrimage TO LOURDES

The origins of Raphael Pilgrimage go back to 1954 when Group Captain Leonard Cheshire first took sick pilgrims to Lourdes. The pilgrimage as we know it today goes back to 1961 when Leonard Cheshire asked Gilbert Thompson to be the first Director and to organise annual Pilgrimages to Lourdes under name Raphael.  Raphael was chosen as the name because of its meaning ' the healing power of God'. 

The original aims set out by Leonard Cheshire still continue for our Pilgrimage today: 

'To take the sick and disabled to Lourdes, to care for them in every way during the pilgrimage and with them to offer prayers for all those who suffer in any way'. 

Each year a Pilgrimage is organised by our Director working with our operations team of our Chief Brancardier and Chief Nurse.  Together they ensure that our pilgrims are able to get the most out of their time in Lourdes and receive any care and support that is needed from our volunteer nurses and lay helpers. Our own Pilgrimage Priest, Leo Heakin means that we are able to share personal and special spiritual time together. 

The Trustee's role is to oversee the working of the Charity 'The Raphael Pilgrimage' (Charity Number 1098328).

You can keep up to date with the Raphael Pilgrimage on our facebook page Facebook: Raphael Pilgrimage