Catholic Association Pilgrimage
A similar situation arose when the pilgrimage of the burgeoning diocese of Arundel and Brighton was removed from the Catholic Association by the Bishop, Michael Bowen.
The Trustees appoint Pilgrimage Officers (the heads of the different service sections including doctors, nurses, brancardiers, handmaids, youth group etc.).
The trustees (as of 07-11-2018): Rev Paul Hendricks - Chairman Dr Nuala Mellows - Medical Dr Steve Gill - Financial & Assurance Dr Sadie Vile - Operations Mr. Chris Buller - Travel Mrs. Theresa Mahon - Nursing Mgr Rev Vincent Harvey - Spirituality Mr. Chris Thorpe - Chief Executive & Appointments The Trustees appoint Pilgrimage Officers (the heads of the different service sections including doctors, nurses, handmaids, youth group, etc.).
The principal aims and objects of the CA Hospitalité are set out in the Constitution (and summarised above the application for membership) as follows: a.
To strengthen the bonds of fraternal life between its members and to help them maintain their obligations as Christians, their responsibilities in the Church and their devotion to Our Lady.
The Hospitalité Council may admit to the membership any class of person or individual who, in their opinion, renders suitable services to the sick.
Following approval by the Hospitalité Council, applicants will be admitted to ordinary membership during their next pilgrimage to Lourdes, having made an Act of Consecration before the Patron or Chaplain.
It is worth remembering that members are encouraged to take the Spirit of Lourdes home with them and to promote the pilgrimage, in particular by recruiting other volunteers and by making known the facilities provided for Sick Pilgrims, both those who need to stay in an Accueil (house of welcome for the sick) and others who would be better served in a hotel.
As of October 2018 the CA Hospitalité Council consists of:[6] • Bishop Peter Doyle, Northampton (Patron) • Anne Hoskins (President) • Chris Talbot (Secretary) • John Hirwe (Treasurer) • Fr Nicholas King SJ (Chaplain) • Richard Hargreaves (Chief Brancardier) • Lina Al-Araj (Chief Handmaid) • Dr Nuala Mellows (Chief Medical Officer) • Tina Quin (Chief Nurse) • John Toryusen (Leaders of the Young Helper’s Group) • John Wynne-Jones (Youth Representative) • Elected members: Christopher Page, Micaёla Corcoran & James Silsbury • Cliona Devereaux (Safeguarding Officer) The CA Hospitalité is also affiliated to the Association of British Lourdes Pilgrimage Hospitalités.
The CA relies on volunteer helpers to work with the various assisted pilgrims (sick) who come to Lourdes each year.
The brancs[check spelling] and handmaids are in mixed teams; and the two heads of service work together in various areas of assisted pilgrim care.
The CA also searches for volunteers to be part of their music group, which plays at all the services and events during the Pilgrimage.
