Dear Knights, Dames, Chaplains, and Provisional Members,

On behalf of the leadership of the Western Association, it is my pleasure to open registration for the 2021 Lourdes Pilgrimage. The new dates for the 2021 Lourdes Pilgrimage are August 31, through September 8, 2021. In addition, it is my honor to reveal the names of the Knights and Dames that will be responsible for planning and leading the 2021 Western Association Lourdes Pilgrimage, please click here for the Leadership Team List. 

We should at the outset of this latest planning exercise make note of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus and the resulting pandemic. Obviously, while we are hopeful that we will be able to organize a successful late summer Pilgrimage, no goal is more important to us than ensuring the health and safety of each and every Pilgrim. To that end, we will be consulting, continuously, with health, sanitation, transportation and accommodation experts, along with relevant governmental and regulatory officials, to ensure that our decisions are informed by the best advisory assistance available.

If that advice establishes that we can carry on with the late 2021 Pilgrimage on a safe and medically sound basis, we will hope to move forward with it. If it does not - and, in particular, if our medical team concludes that we should not proceed - we will be guided by that advice and move on to our planning for 2022. We understand the uncertainty that this may cause, and, in turn, ask for your understanding and support in these challenging times.

The base cost of the 2021 pilgrimage remains $3,600 for the air and land option, which includes hotel and charter airfare from Los Angeles, California to Lourdes, France.  The cost of the land only option is $2,700. Please note that all pilgrims participating in the air and land option are responsible for their own travel to and from Los Angeles. For additional information regarding the 2021 Lourdes Pilgrimage, please click here for the 2021 Lourdes Flyer.

Individual Registration for the Pilgrimage requires submission of a completed registration package. Pilgrims will be selected on a first come, first served basis.  A complete registration package includes:

1) Online registration form, please complete the online registration here.

2) Full payment

3) Copy of applicant’s valid passport that doesn’t expire prior to March 1, 2022

4) Recent personal photo (electronic file preferred)

5) Current VIRTUS Certificate

Your participation in the pilgrimage will be confirmed when a complete registration package is received. In order to register, Members also must be current with their Yearly Contribution.

We now have the safest, most healthy, and comfortable commercial aircraft flying today, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, operated by Air Tahiti Nui, which will provide our Malades and Pilgrims the ultimate flying experience. Most importantly, our Malades and Pilgrims will arrive in Lourdes more refreshed, less stressed, and ready to maximize their Lourdes experience.

Please be advised that that we anticipate the Government of France and our charter carrier, Air Tahiti Nui, will require that all Pilgrims receive both the Covid-19 vaccine and annual flu shot. All Pilgrims shall be required to receive the Covid-19 in order to participate in the Western Association 2021 Lourdes Pilgrimage.

SPECIAL NOTE: Although we are planning for a safe and normal pilgrimage, we will follow applicable governmental regulations. If we must cancel the pilgrimage, you will receive a full refund.

There are three distinct seating areas: First Class (additional $2,000), Premium Economy (additional $1,000), and Economy (included in the price). Upgrades may be purchased by any pilgrim for themselves, for others, and especially for Malades. Members of the Order, who are not participating in the Lourdes Pilgrimage, may purchase upgrades for Malades and their caregivers as well. The money raised through the purchase of upgrades will help offset the cost of the pilgrimage. For more information, please click here for the Flight Upgrade Flyer.

If you would like to nominate an individual for consideration to participate in the 2021 Lourdes Pilgrimage as a Malade, please click here to complete the online Malade Nomination form. The deadline for Malade nominations is February 19, 2021.

We look forward to a healthy, joyous and holy pilgrimage to Lourdes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Confraternally,

Mark S. Tiernan, KM

Director

Lourdes Pilgrimage 2020-2023

Mobile:  206.660.4952

e-mail:  Tiernan@aegisgrp.com

Malade Nomination Form