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This year we have had to make considerable changes to our travel arrangements: after a very long tradition of taking many of our Pilgrims overland by special chartered train we have finally had to stop using the train. As you are all aware, for several years we have only been able to fill just over half the pilgrimage train which has meant our costs have risen considerably. Despite many appeals to those who choose to travel independently, we have been unsuccessful in persuading them to return to the train. At the same time French Railways this year increased the cost by 40% which would have made travel by train and coach more expensive than flying.

We have therefore made the decision that overland travel will now be by executive coach from various parts of the Diocese to Lourdes and return. You will see from our brochure that this has enabled us to reduce the cost  considerably: although there are some variations depending on which hotels pilgrims choose the saving is in the region of £80 per person.

This year our flights will be from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and this too has enabled us to reduce prices by around £30 per person.

I do hope Pilgrims will welcome these changes and assure you that we do everything possible to enable as many people to experience Lourdes at the most competitive price possible.
 
Fr David Long
Pilgrimage Director