Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages

08/02/2025

SAINT BERNADETTE-
3rd and final identification of her body.

The pope pronounced the authenticity of Bernadette’s virtues and the oath to beatification was open.
Relics were to be taken during this exhumation which took place in April 1925, 46 years after Bernadette’s death.

After the relics were removed her body was swathed in bandages and a precise imprint of Bernadette’s face and hands were moulded and light wax masks were made.

Her body was left in the chapel of Saint Helen and the doors were closed and sealed and no one could get in. The nuns who wished to pray close to Bernadette could only see her through a glass partition.

On June 14th 1925, Pope Pius XI officially proclaimed Bernadette Blessed and in early July she was placed in a glass coffin having been dressed in a new habit and the light wax masks placed over her face and hands.
She was then transferred to the chapel of the convent where she can be seen today.

Myself and a few friends spent a few nights in the convent last year and it was such an amazing experience. We were invited to sing at one of the masses with Bernadette directly in front of us and it was something I will never forget. If you get a chance to visit Nevers you won’t be disappointed.
Joan (Dublin)

07/02/2025

Caroline, who leads our team in Lourdes, shared the history of Betharram, an important place of pilgrimage and place of a miracle of Our Lady.

While in Lourdes pilgrims might like to visit the Shrine of Betharram, 15kms downstream from Lourdes and an old place of pilgrimage to Our Lady in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Local history records this crossing place over the River Gave de Pau as a place of pilgrimage to Our Lady since at least the 15th century.

Read more: https://joewalshtours.ie/special-places-betharram/

07/02/2025

ST. BERNADETTE -
Second identification of her body

In August 1913 Pope Pius X authorized the introduction of the cause of beatification and canonization of Bernadette. War broke out and it was impossible to take up the cause and so it wasn’t until 1919 that another identification of her body was carried out.

The Bishop of Nevers, the police commissioner, members of the church tribunal and medical representatives were in attendance. Oaths were sworn, the vault was opened and Bernadette’s body was again examined.

At this stage it was reported that her body was again intact and once again no smell whatsoever. There was traces of mildew and salt which was probably the result of the body having been washed the first time it was exhumed. Her skin had disappeared very slightly in some places, but was still present on most parts of her body. A lot of her veins were still visible.

Bernadette was transferred to a new coffin and reburied in the chapel of Saint Joseph.
Joan ( Dublin)

06/02/2025

At Joe Walsh Tours, we offer the perfect combination of spiritual discovery and coastal beauty with our Pilgrimage and Coast tours.

Book our Fatima and Lisbon Coast Pilgrimage starting with 4 nights on pilgrimage to Fatima with a full religious programme each day, before heading to Estoril for a few days of sun and relaxation.

We also have two Pilgrimages to Italy and the Alba Adriatica where you will enjoy the best of both worlds, on an spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Padre Pio or St Camillus as well as spending a few days relaxing by the Adriatic Coast.

More details: https://joewalshtours.ie/pilgrimages/special-pilgrim-tours/pilgrimage-and-coast/

04/02/2025

SHRINES OF FRANCE | MAY 2025

Embark on a 7-night spiritual journey to some of France’s most sacred and breathtaking sites. Visit Ars-sur-Formans, Paray-le-Monial, Nevers, Lisieux, Alençon, Tours, and Paris, where faith, history, and beauty come together.

📅 21 MAY 2025
✈ Direct flights from Dublin to Lyon and Paris to Dublin
🚌 All transfers and tours by private coach
🏨 2 nights in Paray-le-Monial | 1 night in Nevers | 1 night in Tours | 2 night in Lisieux | 1 night in Paris
📍Tour of the charming village of Visit Ars-sur-Formans, home of St Jean-Marie Vianney
📍 Paray-le-Monial: Visitation Convent and Shrine
📍Enjoy a visit to the Convent of St Gildard, where St Bernadette’s body rests, in Nevers
📍Journey to the Shrine of St Martin in Tours in the UNESCO World Heritage site Loire Valley
📍Visit to St Therese's Shrine, Les Buissonets, in Lisieux
📍Alençon, birthplace of St Thérèse
📍Paris main highlights including, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Rue de Bac Street and the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal.
📌 €1339 Per Person

More details and bookings:
https://joewalshtours.ie/tours/shrines-of-france-2025-05-21/

04/02/2025

ST. BERNADETTE - First identification of her body.

St. Bernadette’s body was first exhumed in 1909, 30 years after her death. This was done with a view to canonization.

The coffin was taken from the vault and cut open to reveal the body of Bernadette in a perfect state. Those in attendance noted that her hands had fallen slightly to the left as had her head, and her habit was damp. There was no smell. Her face was a dull white and her mouth was open slightly revealing her teeth in perfect condition. Her hands still held her Rosary Beads that after 30 years were rusted. Her toenails were still intact as was her hair.
Her crucifix had turned green.

The nuns washed her body and replaced it in a new coffin lined with zinc and padded with white silk, and it was returned to the vault.

It was recorded that the mummified state of Bernadette’s body was quite astounding. Her illnesses and the humidity in the vault would have seemed conducive to disintegration of the flesh. But Bernadette was in a state of perfect preservation.
Joan (Dublin)

03/02/2025

Venerable Blessed Carlo Acutis Canonization | Pilgrimage to Rome

25 APRIL 2025 | 3 NIGHTS
FROM DUBLIN
€995pps

Join us on a Pilgrimage to Rome and celebrate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis on 27th April 2025, during the Jubilee of Adolescents.

The upcoming canonization will mark Blessed Carlo Acutis as the first millennial to be declared a saint, highlighting his profound influence as a modern role of holiness. His life inspires young people, particularly those connected with technology and the internet.

More details: https://joewalshtours.ie/tours/pilgrimage-to-italy-2025-4-25/

Join us for a Pilgrimage to Rome and celebrate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Rome on 27th April 2025, during the Jubilee of Adolescents.

02/02/2025

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” - St Augustine

31/01/2025

THE BODY OF ST. BERNADETTE

Over the next week or so I thought I would tell you a little about St. Bernadette’s body after she died on April 16th 1879.

Bernadette, or Sister Marie-Bernard as she was known within her order, died in the convents infirmary. She was only 35.
At least 3 times during her short life she received the last sacraments having suffered a lot with asthma, tuberculosis of the lung and a tumour on her right knee. On Wednesday 16th her pain was very bad and she was carried to an armchair in front of a blazing fire, where she died at 3.15pm in the afternoon.

The authorities allowed her body to remain on view to be venerated by the public until April 19th. Then she was placed in a double coffin of lead and oak and sealed in the presence of witnesses who had to sign a record of events.

The nuns in the convent were given permission to place Bernadette in a small chapel dedicated to St. Joseph, which was on the grounds of the convent, and she was laid to rest in the crypt of the little chapel. A very simple ceremony was held to commemorate her life.
Photos show the infirmary where Bernadette died, and The chapel where she was first laid to rest.
Joan (Dublin)

31/01/2025

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & ASSISI

7 MARCH 2025 | 6 NIGHTS | FROM LONDON STANSTED
PRICE £1195pps

2025 is a special year as we celebrate Holy Year in Rome and the Vatican City.
Join our Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome visiting the Vatican City and Rome’s most important basilicas and religious sites; and Assisi, homeplace of Saint Francis, where we will visit the main sights of this wonderful medieval city, including the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, the tomb of Carlo Acutis, and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

MORE DETAILS: https://joewalshtours.co.uk/tours/pilgrimage-to-rome-and-assisi-2025-3-7/

2025 is a special year as we celebrate Holy Year in Rome and the Vatican City. Join our Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome visiting the Vatican City and Rome’s

30/01/2025

We would like to encourage you to join your local Diocesan pilgrimage this year as a fantastic opportunity to share this special journey of faith with other parishioners and pilgrims from your Diocese.

This year, some Dioceses commemorate special anniversaries and some will be also travelling to Rome and the Vatican to celebrate the Jubilee or Holy Year.

We have many dates confirmed from Ireland and the UK, find all details on our websites clicking on the links below; and we will be announcing more in the coming weeks:

FROM IRELAND: https://joewalshtours.ie/pilgrimages/group-diocesan-pilgrimages/

FROM THE UK: https://joewalshtours.co.uk/pilgrimages/group-diocesan-pilgrimages/

29/01/2025

MEDJUGORJE EASTER PILGRIMAGE | 15TH APRIL 2025

Medjugorje is a place of peace and spiritual renewal, revered and visited by thousands of pilgrims of all ages each year, join our Easter pilgrimage to Medjugorje to honour the Queen of Peace at this special time of the year.

Departures from:
DUBLIN
LONDON GATWICK
LONDON LUTON
MANCHESTER
EDINBURGH

7 nights | €899pps | £799pps

From Ireland: https://joewalshtours.ie/tours/pilgrimage-to-medjugorje-2025-4-15/
From the UK: https://joewalshtours.co.uk/pilgrimages/pilgrimage-destinations/medjugorje/

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje has been taking place since the 1980s when six local children reported visions of Our Lady.

28/01/2025

Join the Elphin & Achonry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome, visiting the Vatican City and Rome’s sacred sites. 2025 is a special year as we celebrate Holy Year in Rome focusing on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

📅 22 October 2025
✈Direct return flights from Dublin to Rome
🚌 All transfers & tours by private coach
🏨 5 nights in Rome
📸 Explore the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls
📸 Visits to Saint Peter’s Basilica, Square, and the Holy Door
📸 Mass with the Pope in St Peters Basilica
📌€1499 Per Person

For more information and to book:
https://joewalshtours.ie/tours/elphin-diocesan-pilgrimage-to-rome/ Diocese of Elphin

27/01/2025

✨ Last few places available! ✨

Join our unforgettable Pilgrimage to Rome, Orvieto & Assisi, departing from Birmingham on May 9th.

📅 9 May 2025
✈Direct return flights from Birmingham to Rome
🚌 All transfers & tours by private coach
🏨 4 nights in Rome & 2 nights in Assisi
📸 Visits to Rome’s historical Basilicas
📸 Visits to Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums
📸 In Assisi: Basilica of Saint Francis and his tomb, the Basilica of St. Claire, the tomb of Carlo Acutis, and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
📌£1359 pps

For more information and to book:
https://joewalshtours.co.uk/tours/pilgrimate-to-rome-assisi-2025/

24/01/2025

Located in the Marche region of central Italy and close to the Adriatic Coast, Loreto is a special place for Catholic pilgrimage, known for being home to the Shrine of the Holy House of the Virgin Mary, located in the Basilica della Casa Santa.

Today we would like to share with you a bit of history about Loreto's magnificent Basilica, a place for prayer and reflection, believed to have been a miraculous shrine.

Learn more: https://joewalshtours.ie/sacred-places-loreto-italy/

23/01/2025

Please note our staff will be working remotely tomorrow Friday.
If you have an appointment please contact us to reschedule or to organise a call.
Stay safe!

23/01/2025

Experience the magic of the Camino de Santiago, joining our guided tours on the scenic Coastal Camino Portugues, including a new tour from Porto. Walk with a friendly group, soaking in the beauty, history and spirituality of the Camino.

✨COASTALCAMINO PORTUGUES GUIDED TOURS 2025
📅6th June | Coastal Camino Portugues Guided Tour | Last 100 km | 7 Nights
📅12 September | Coastal Camino Portugues Guided Tour from Porto to Baiona
7 Nights
📅 12 September | Coastal Camino Portugues Guided Tour from Porto to Santiago 14 Nights
📅19th September - Coastal Camino Portugues Guided Tour | Last 100 km | 7 Nights

Find details and book at:
https://joewalshtours.ie/pilgrimages/special-pilgrim-tours/camino-de-santiago-pilgrimage/
or contact our team at [email protected]

23/01/2025

THE GROTTO OF LOURDES
I was delighted when I recently found this authentic photo, taken in 1862, of. Bernadette in prayer at the grotto.

After the apparitions in 1858 a small statue of our lady, which you will see in the photo, was placed at the grotto and then on the 4th of April 1864 (the feast of the Annunciation) the statue that we all can see at the Grotto today was placed in its niche and unveiled before more than 10,000 people.

The statue was designed by the French Sculptor Fabisch, who interviewed Bernadette before making it. He created a model and submitted a photograph of it to Bernadette. However, Bernadette criticized this first attempt.
She said -
“The figure doesn’t look young enough, nor does it smile enough. On the right side, the veil clings to the head and neck, creating a curve from the head to the shoulder. On the left, it does not cover the shoulder, and then on both sides, it folds under the arms. According to Bernadette, the veil descended perpendicularly, covering both shoulders and the elbows. The dress is too low, the lower part of the neck is too exposed. The hands were more clasped, the fingers pressed together; the left foot seems a little too far forward. The rosary has been omitted.”
Fabisch corrected it following Bernadette’s instructions.

On the 31st March 1864, the statue arrived at the presbytery in Lourdes. Bernadette was summoned In the presence of Abbé Peyramale and Father Ollivier. The young girl tried to nod, as if out of politeness. But she pulled herself together and said emphatically,“No, that’s not right!” She added later,“Anyway, you can’t recreate her the way she was.” Marble will aways be just marble.
The finished statue was approved and placed in the grotto on the 4th of April 1864.
Joan (Dublin)