On 18th and 19th September 2026, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith together with 50 archdiocesan priests visited the Marian Shrine of Lourdes in France as a part of the archdiocesan priests’ annual pilgrimage to Europe & the Vatican.

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During the 2 day-stay in Lourdes the group lead by His eminence visited, prayed and celebrated mass at the crypt of the basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes and at the Grotto of the Apparitions.

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It is noteworthy that the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times in 1858 to St. Bernedette, a 14-year-old child and that during the 16th apparition on March 25, 1858, Mother Mary identified herself using the local Pyrenean dialect as the "Immaculate Conception."

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“Lourdes is a place of Faith” His Eminence said during the homily at the Grotto.

“Her [Mary’s] yes, made possible God to enter the history of humanity and showed us God’s Love”.

“What is the purpose of our lives? She knew it and you?” His Eminence asked the faithful.

God’s plan for our lives is fulfilled in Faith, have Faith and remember that your life is both a gift from God and a mystery as well.

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At the conclusion of the homily Card. Ranjith reminded all the present about a very important message: “Do not look sad, your life is precious: Be happy, God loves you!”

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The group of 50 priests is scheduled to visit St. Therese of Lisieux, Paris, Ars, Nevers, Rosa Mystica in Brescia, Padua, Assisi and Rome. They will meet the Holy Father Pope Leo on the 30th of September at the General Papal audience at St. Peter’s square.

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The pilgrimage is co-coordinated by Rev. Msgr. Neville Joe Perera who commented the pilgrimage saying:” this is an excellent chance to our priests to experience and see holy places which can help them to strengthen and guide our people in Faith”.

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Article by Riccardo Nelumdeniya