In 1958, a small pilot group headed by Dr. Hugh O'Brien Moran, Canon Frank Hopkins and the late Nurse Mary Sheedy and about four other nurses, including Anne Barry, brought a small number of invalids and pilgrims to Lourdes with a view to establishing a regular annual Pilgrimage from the Diocese.
As a result of this, the following year, 1959, Bishop Cohalan gave his blessing to the first post-war Pilgrimage from the Diocese.
The air transport was a 64 seater twin engined propeller driven Viscount and the journey took three hours. The flight in those days was from Dublin in the month of September, transport to Dublin was by a specially adapted train to Kingsbridge (Heuston) and thence by bus and ambulances to the airport.
By comparison, the current Pilgrimage will cater for approximately 800 people who will travel by plane from Cork Airport on the 6th of June.
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Founding members of the Waterford Lourdes Pilgrimage, Rev Canon Frank Hopkins & Dr. Hugh O'Brien Moran being presented with the 2003, A I B / Waterford News & Star Community award.
The affairs of the Hospitalite are administered,under the authority of the Bishop of Waterford & Lismore, by a Council comprised of : The Bishop, the Spiritual Director, Youth Chaplain, the nominated officers, i.e. President, Pilgrimage Secretary, Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, three Deanery orgainisers, two Doctors, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Brancardier, Chief Handmaid, Choir Director and Cara Group Leader.
Pilgrimage Director
Honorary Secretary
President
Pilgrimage Secretary