In recent years, the custom has developed of a group from the Diocese of Aberdeen travelling in pilgrimage every second year or so to Lourdes. Many will recall the pilgrimages organised by the late Canon John Gowans and, more recently, by the much-missed Mgr Eddie Traynor.

Last year it had been hoped :o organise a pilgrimage, but early on in the planning it was realised that the costs were going to be prohibitive due to the recession, and so sadly, the plans had to be postponed. Now I am writing to let you know that a pilgrimage is planned for this coming summer, from the 7th- 17th July.

This year, however, we are offering a pilgrimage with a difference! Recent pilgrimages have travelled to Lourdes by air, and while this is the quickest mode of

transport, it is not always the easiest nor is it the cheapest. In order to try and keep the cost of the pilgrimage down, we have decided this year to travel by bus.

"Oh no!" I hear you say - not the dreaded bus! However, the itinerary has been arranged in such a way as to ensure that the pilgrimage is not remembered for the nightmare travel! Our luxury coach is fitted with comfortable seats and has many on-board features designed to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable.

The first leg of the journey will see us spend the night on the Hull to Zeebrugge ferry, where we will enjoy full cabin facilities as well as dinner and breakfast. As we travel through France we will visit various shrines, in particular the shrine of St John Vianney in Ars, remembering the Year of the Priest. Also visited en route will be the Convent at Nevers where St Bernadette lived and died. We will then spend five nights in Lourdes, taking part in the full pilgrimage programme. On the way home, we will visir the famous shrine of St.Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal at the Rue du Bac, and spend two nights enjoying all that Paris has to offer! Before heading back to the ferry at Zeebrugge, we will visit the shrine of St Therese, the Little Flower, at Lisieux.

I hope that as many of you as possible will be able to join us in what will, I am sure, be a most enjoyable and spiritually uplifting pilgrimage, and a time of great grace for the Diocese as well as all pilgrims. If you would like mote information, please contact me at St. Peter's, Buckie. I look forward to hearing from you!