The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center in New Haven is excited to welcome the relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of the 2026–2027 St. Bernadette Relics Tour – Journey of Grace.
The relics traveled from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France as part of a national pilgrimage throughout the United States from September 2026 through August 2027. The tour seeks to bring the grace and spiritual mission of Lourdes closer to those who may never be able to travel to France. Inspired by the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and the witness of Saint Bernadette, the pilgrimage seeks to bring a message of faith, healing, hope and spiritual renewal to communities across the nation.
In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous near the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France. Through the humility and faith of Saint Bernadette, the message of Lourdes continues to call people to prayer, penance, conversion, compassion and trust in God.
Lourdes has since become one of the world’s foremost Catholic pilgrimage destinations and one of the most significant places of pilgrimage for those who are sick or suffering. Millions of pilgrims travel to the Sanctuary each year seeking reconciliation, spiritual renewal, healing and a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.
The Knights of Columbus, which owns and operates the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, maintains a close connection to the Lourdes Shrine through its annual sponsorship of the Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage in partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Since 2013, ill and injured U.S. warriors (as well as non-physically wounded) are accepted each year to participate in a five-day retreat in Lourdes culminating with the events of the International Military Pilgrimage. Selected pilgrims spend this time of prayer and reflection taking meaningful steps in their journey toward healing from moral injury and finding inner peace.
For additional information and tour schedules for the St. Bernadette Relics Tour – Journey of Grace, visit https://bernadette-usa.lourdes-france.com/
Photo © Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pierre Vincent, do not reproduce without written authorization, do not use for commercial purpose.