"The Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury serves the population of New Cheshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin with parts of Derbyshire, Halton, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Warrington.
In the early seventies there was much discussion regarding linking with other local Dioceses, both Salford and Liverpool being suggested, or even restricting the pilgrimage to alternate years.
These discussions eventually led to a break away from the Catholic Association, and a further change of dates to late July, coinciding, over time, with both Liverpool and Salford.
Although some pilgrims make their own way, the vast majority travel on the Diocesan coaches and ferry to the port of Calais in the North of France, and then on to Lourdes on chartered TGVs.
In 2010, due to the availability of TGV stock, the pilgrimage will once again be travelling on an overnight sleeper train through France, in addition to a direct chartered flight from Manchester to Lourdes.