Coronavirus
Annual BLMA Conference 2026. 6th - 8th of November 2026. Blackpool. Bookings now open. Read More
Covid-19 poses many challenges for our pilgrimage organisations.
At this time, it is not clear how or if there will be sick pilgrimages to Lourdes in the 2021 season, but it is not likely that they will resemble those which we normally hold. Planning for a safe pilgrimage is complex and involves consideration of all aspects: preparation, selection of the sick, recruitment of helpers and clinicians, training, travel, accommodation and social interactions, as well as the work that the Sanctuary Authorities are doing to ensure that the ceremonies and infrastructure of the pilgrimage are as safe as possible. The latest guidance from the sanct uary can be found here: Health charter
As clinicians we have a major role to play in advising pilgrimage directors what is required. The BLMA has provided input to the recent Pilgrimage Directors Conference, but all clinicians need to work closely with their own pilgrimage teams.
The following page has links to a number of resources some of which were shown at the BLMA conference in October. We hope you will find them useful.