Annual October Pilgrimage

"To Our Lady in the footsteps of Saint Pius X"

This year's pilgrimage attracted a crowd of about 60 people, hailing from the USA, England, Ireland, and Scotland. As usual, professors and seminarians from St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary accompanied them, especially for the care of the many sick and elderly who were present.

Although Lourdes was the final destination, this year was special because it fell on the centenary of the death of St. Pius X. In light of this providential event, the journey began by retracing some of the footsteps of our dear patron in Italy, commencing in the beautiful city of Venice, our patron's former patriarchal see, whose Piazza was once fittingly described as “the drawing room of Europe”. Visits were also made to a former parish in Salzano, and also most importantly, his hometown of Riese.

The trip fittingly concluded with the annual SSPX ceremonies in Lourdes which attracted a crowd of more than 10,000 faithful due to the centenary of the death of St. Pius X. Among the events that took place that weekend were: conferences about our patron given in multiple languages, three pontifical Masses celebrated by our three bishops, Vespers, and a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the village.

All in all, the pilgrimage was a great opportunity of grace and friendship from the lowly farmlands of Riese to the rocky Pyrenees in Lourdes. In the words of one of our pilgrim's : “The entire pilgrimage was edifying and quite special, from all the sites we visited, to the pontifical high Masses, blessing of the sick, the processions and dedications, along with seeing thousands of other SSPX parishioners from around Europe.” The journey was truly a source grace and hope, and for some, they would not have been able to go without the help of the seminarians.

If you are interested in joining the seminary in a future pilgrimage, click here to send us an e-mail.