Monday morning saw us at the Grotto for Mass. This took place at 8.30am. As we arrived the there was German Mass in progress. I think you can imagine our amusement when their final hymn was to the tune of Land of Hope and Glory!
The main celebrant was Bishop Mark Davis of the Diocese of Shrewsbury. For me, this Mass is always the highlight of the pilgrimage. It is the very spot were Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. It is both humbling and a privelege to be in the same place. I offered my Mass for the intentions of the parish of Christ the Good Shepherd, Workington.
The only draw back is the we are limited by time, one hour at the most. We were three pilgrimages combined, ourselves, the Diocese of Shrewsbury and the Welsh National. Despite that we managed well inside the hour. The music was good led by an excellent music group.
Once Mass was finished we were free for most of the day.
Fr Paul Harrison' Blog. 