Between now till the beginning of November, the relics, which were transported from Lourdes to Ireland, will be revered in churches all around the nation.

Bernadette Soubirous, who was born in 1844, is credited by Catholics with seeing the Virgin Mary eighteen times in 1858 at a grotto in her hometown.

Following the Vatican's 1866 confirmation of the apparitions, Lourdes became a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world.

In 1879, Bernadette Soubirous passed away. When her body was excavated in 1925 for her beatification, it was discovered to be uncorrupted—that is, it exhibited no indications of deterioration—and was then placed on exhibit. 1933 saw her canonised.

The Catholic Church acknowledges that 70 miracles have occurred at Lourdes, one of the biggest Christian pilgrimage sites in the world, and St. Bernadette has been called the missionary of the Virgin Mary.



Some have referred to the relic pilgrimage across Ireland as a chance for individuals to experience Lourdes right in their own neighbourhood.

During their time by and around the relics, the organisers said they want the faithful to bear testimony, to foster an atmosphere of prayer and hope, and to draw from the fountain of God's compassion.

The trip departs from Galway and will stop at over forty places before concluding on November 5.