The Crown of Mary
Lourdes Pilgrimage
with Kyle Gray
Â
September 24–27, 2026
Lourdes, France, is one of the sacred touchpoints on Earth where Mother Mary is believed to have appeared. It is seen as a place between the worlds, where we can encounter the loving presence, protection, grace, and healing of the Divine Mother.
For more than 160 years, millions of pilgrims from around the globe have travelled to Lourdes to share their devotion to the Blessed Mother and to experience the peace and hope that have become synonymous with this sacred place. Lourdes has become associated with countless miracles and profound spiritual encounters, with more than 7,000 reported healings and unexplained recoveries connected to visits to the sanctuary.
In 1858, the young mystic and visionary St. Bernadette experienced 18 apparitions of Mother Mary at the Grotto of Massabielle. During one of these encounters, Mary invited Bernadette to uncover a hidden spring beneath the earth. That spring continues to flow today and has become one of the most cherished symbols of Lourdes, offering pilgrims a tangible way to connect with the Light of Mother Mary.
"I'll be your Mother now."
- The message Kyle received from Mother Mary in a dream.
Is Mary Calling You?
Going on pilgrimage gives us the opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the world and create space in our hearts for clarity, guidance, healing, and even transformation.
Sometimes having a meditation practice, a prayer life, or a spiritual devotion isn't enough. Sometimes we feel called to journey somewhere sacred, where the experience itself becomes part of the shift we're seeking.
Lourdes offers a potent opportunity to experience the undeniable presence of Mother Mary so that we can allow her to become a Divine Mother in our lives—a source of grace, counsel, comfort, and protection as we continue on our path.
During the crucifixion, Jesus presented His mother to the world. And so Mary became a spiritual mother figure for anyone who feels called to her, regardless of their spiritual or religious background.
If you feel called to connect with Mother Mary, it's because her love can support you on your journey. Lourdes is one of the physical places on Earth where you can intentionally step into a place touched by Mary's light and uncover the wisdom she is personally offering you in your life.
Schedule
Thursday 24 September
The Light of Mary
From the moment you arrive, your pilgrimage begins. After checking into the hotel, we'll gather for our opening session as we set our intentions and prepare our hearts for the days ahead.
Together, we'll explore the spiritual significance of Mary's light and what it means to consciously welcome her presence into our lives. Through prayer, reflection, and meditation, you'll begin opening your heart to the grace that Lourdes has offered pilgrims for more than 160 years.
After dinner, we'll make our way together to the Sanctuary to take part in the world-famous Torchlight Marian Procession. Surrounded by thousands of pilgrims carrying candles and praying together, you'll experience one of the most moving traditions of Lourdes as we entrust our pilgrimage to Mother Mary.
Â
Friday 25 September
The Miracles of Mary
After breakfast, we'll gather for a guided mystical meditation where we will enter the story of St. Bernadette's encounter with Mother Mary. Together, we'll reflect on the apparition and meditate on the moment Mary revealed the healing spring, opening our hearts to the same invitation to healing and grace.
During this session, you'll be invited to bring to Mary anything in your life that is calling for healing, support, or guidance. Following our meditation, we'll make our way to the Healing Baths, where you'll have the opportunity to experience the Healing Bath Gesture and be fully immersed in the healing waters of Lourdes.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the places connected with the life of St. Bernadette, with time afterwards for lunch, personal prayer, reflection, or exploring the Sanctuary at your own pace.
Later that evening, we'll return to the Grotto after the crowds have dispersed for a peaceful candlelit gathering, where we'll close the day with prayer, reflection, and quiet contemplation in one of the most sacred places in Lourdes.
Â
Saturday 26 September
Mary as Divine Mother
Our final full day is dedicated to deepening your relationship with Mother Mary. During our morning session, we'll meditate on the Annunciation and Mary's sacred "Yes," exploring what it means to trust the Divine and open ourselves completely to the path unfolding before us.
In the afternoon, we'll pray the Stations of the Cross together, with a special reflection on the moment Jesus entrusted His mother to the world. Together, we'll contemplate what it means to personally receive Mary as our Divine Mother and allow her to walk beside us on our own spiritual journey.
That evening, we'll gather for a beautiful Crowning of Mary ceremony. Carrying a crown in procession, we'll honour Mary as Queen of the Angels, offering her our prayers, our loved ones, and our intentions as we entrust ourselves to her loving care.
Â
Sunday 27 September
Breakfast & Departures
As our pilgrimage comes to a close, we encourage you to carry home not only the memories of Lourdes, but also the prayers, practices, and relationship with Mother Mary that have unfolded throughout our time together.
Please note: Pope Leo XV is expected to visit Lourdes on Sunday 27 September. If you feel called to remain in Lourdes to participate in the Holy Father's visit, you are welcome to extend your stay independently and make your own travel and accommodation arrangements.
A Small & Intimate Pilgrimage
This pilgrimage has been intentionally designed as a small, curated experience so that every participant has the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the journey.
We have just 27 rooms available at our hotel, with a maximum of 40 pilgrims joining us in Lourdes. Rooms can be booked for either single occupancy or shared occupancy.
The investment for this pilgrimage is ÂŁ2,049 per person, based on single occupancy.
For those travelling with a friend, partner, or family member, a shared twin or double room supplement of ÂŁ1,600 can be added at checkout.
If you feel called to join us, we encourage you to reserve your place as soon as possible. Once all 27 rooms have been allocated, registration for this pilgrimage will close.
What's Included
-
An evening and 2 full days of guided pilgrimage with Kyle Gray.
-
3-night stay in a four-star accommodation with daily breakfast and dinner.
-
A live online welcome and preparation session before departure.
-
Pilgrimage resources and preparation materials to help you arrive spiritually ready.
-
Daily teachings, meditations, and spiritual guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
-
Visits to the Grotto and the sacred sites connected with St. Bernadette.
-
Opportunity to bathe in the healing waters of Lourdes.
-
Participation in the candlelight Marian procession, including your own processional candle.
-
Exclusive Pilgrim Welcome Pack, including two pilgrimage T-shirts, a commemorative tote bag, a Rosary guide, a Lourdes holy water bottle, a pilgrim lanyard, and a waterproof poncho.
-
Time for personal prayer, reflection, and exploration.
-
An intimate, curated pilgrimage limited to just 40 participants.
Â
Helpful Information
- Accommodation: Three nights are included in your booking.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included.
- Walking: Please be prepared for a walking-based pilgrimage.
- Weather: Warm days, cooler evenings—pack layers.
- Travel: Flights and airport transfers are not included.
- Additional Nights: Available directly through the hotel with a 10% discount for Kyle Gray Pilgrims.
- Support: Kieran will be your main point of contact throughout the pilgrimage.
- There are regular direct flights to Lourdes from Paris-Orly (ORY), London Stansted (STN), Dublin (DUB), and Rome.
- All bookings are non-refundable once confirmed. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. If you are no longer able to attend and notify us more than 30 days before 24th September, we will make every reasonable effort to fill your place. If we are successful, we will refund your booking less any costs already incurred. Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fill your place, and if we are unable to do so, no refund will be available.
We'll be staying at...
Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres
Â
Â
Â
Throughout our pilgrimage, we'll be staying at the beautiful four-star Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres & Spa, ideally located just steps from the entrance to the Sanctuary of Lourdes.
Originally built in 1894, the hotel blends historic French elegance with modern comfort, creating the perfect place to rest, reflect, and prepare for each day of our pilgrimage. Every room includes complimentary Wi-Fi, and most rooms feature a private balcony where you can pause, take in the atmosphere of Lourdes, and even hear the hymns and singing from the Sanctuary as they echo through the town.
This will be more than simply a place to stay. It will be our home throughout the pilgrimage, where we'll gather for our daily teachings, meditations, and group sessions. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotel each day, while everyone will be encouraged to enjoy lunch at their leisure, giving you time to explore Lourdes, spend quiet moments in prayer and reflection, or connect with fellow pilgrims.
Being just a few steps from the gates of the Sanctuary means we're never far from the heart of Lourdes, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the peace, prayer, and presence of this extraordinary pilgrimage destination.
Save Your Space!
Places are limited, so save your space now.
If you are adding a second guest, you can do so at checkout.
Cancellation Policy
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
Due to the nature of this pilgrimage, accommodation and associated costs are committed well in advance and are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, we will do our best to fill your place. If we are successful, we may, at our sole discretion, offer a refund less any unrecoverable costs and an administration fee.
We strongly recommend that all pilgrims take out comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation cover, at the time of booking.
Why I'm Leading This Pilgrimage
Â
I'm Kyle Gray, a Sunday Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher, and for more than 23 years I've been dedicated to making spirituality accessible, practical, and deeply personal.
My relationship with Mother Mary began when I was just four years old. During a difficult season in my family's life, after recovering from paralysis and while my beloved grandmother was dying in hospital, a neighbour took me to a Catholic church. Together, we lit a candle before a statue of Mother Mary and prayed for my grandmother.
Although I grew up in a Protestant family, something about Mary stayed with me. I couldn't explain it then, but I carried a fascination with her throughout my life and into my spiritual work.
Years later, after my own mother passed away, Mary appeared to me in a dream and said, "I'll be your mother now." That moment changed everything.
It marked the beginning of a profound spiritual journey that eventually led me to the Catholic faith while deepening the mystical path I had already been walking for many years. Since then, I have come to know Mary not simply as a historical figure, but as a living spiritual presence whose love, guidance, and protection have helped me navigate some of the greatest challenges of my life. Through her, my relationship with Christ has also been transformed in ways I could never have imagined.
Today, I consider myself both Catholic and mystical. I attend Mass, pray the Rosary, live a daily meditation practice, and continue to experience a deeply personal relationship with Mother Mary, Christ and the angels.
This pilgrimage is an invitation to share that relationship with you. Whether you're simply curious about Mary, have loved her for years, or are only just beginning to feel drawn towards her, my hope is that our time together in Lourdes will help you discover the love, comfort, guidance, and grace that she has so generously shared with me.
My partner, Kieran, will also be joining us as our group coordinator. Having made at least five individual pilgrimages to Lourdes, he has developed a deep personal devotion to this sacred place.
After being diagnosed with brain cancer 15 years ago, Kieran travelled to Lourdes with his devoutly Catholic family. Following his pilgrimage, he received the unexpected news that he would not need the treatment that had been anticipated. For him, Lourdes became a place of profound hope, healing, and grace, and his devotion to Mother Mary has continued ever since.Â
Â
FAQs
What's included in my booking?
Are airport transfers included?
How do I get to Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres from the Airport?
Is the pilgrimage accessible?
Is my booking refundable?
How will we get around during the weekend?
What time is hotel check-in and check-out?
Can I book extra nights at the hotel?
Can I bring a partner or friend?
Who do I contact if I'm delayed or unable to attend?
What is the weather like in Lourdes?
Do I need to be Catholic or religious to attend?
Can I attend mass during the trip?
How much walking is involved?
Do I need to take part in every activity?
What should I pack?
Are meals included?
Will there be free time?
Is travel insurance recommended?
Â
Working Schedule of Crown of Mary Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Below is our current working schedule for the Crown of Mary Pilgrimage to Lourdes, taking place from 24–27 September 2026.
Please note that this itinerary is intended as a guide and that some timings may be refined before we travel. Should any changes be made, we'll let you know well in advance.
Thursday 24 September
The Light of Mary
From 4:00pm
Check-in at the hotel.
5:30pm
Welcome Session – The Light of Mary
Opening prayer, introductions, and setting our intentions for the pilgrimage.
An opening reflection on Mary's light, her presence, and preparing our hearts to receive the graces of Lourdes.
Following the session
Buffet Dinner
8:15pm
Meet in the hotel lobby to walk together to the Sanctuary.
9:00pm
Torchlight Marian Procession.
Â
Â
Friday 25 September
The Miracles of Mary
Breakfast at your leisure
10:00–11:00am
Morning Session – The Miracles of Mary
Reflecting on St. Bernadette's encounter with Our Lady, the discovery of the healing spring, and the invitation to healing through grace.
Following the session
Healing Bath Gesture
Together we'll make our way to the Healing Baths, where those who feel called will have the opportunity to be immersed in the waters of Lourdes. Whether you're seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, this beautiful act of faith invites us to surrender our burdens and open ourselves to the grace that has drawn pilgrims here for generations.
Afternoon
Pilgrimage to St. Bernadette's family home and the places connected with her life.
Free time for lunch, prayer, personal reflection, and exploring the Sanctuary.
Buffet Dinner
10:00pm
Late Night Prayer at the Grotto
A quiet gathering for healing prayers and contemplation after the crowds have dispersed.
Saturday 26 September
Mary as Divine Mother
Breakfast at your leisure
10:00–11:30am
Morning Session – The Annunciation
Mary's "Yes" and what it means to open ourselves completely to the Divine.
Afternoon
The Stations of the Cross
Walking together with a special meditation on the moment Christ entrusts Mary to us:
"Behold your Mother."
An invitation to receive Mary as our Divine Mother and companion on our spiritual journey.
Free time
Buffet Dinner
8:00pm
The Crowning of Mary and our Closing Ceremony
Together we'll process with a crown and honour Our Lady, crowning Mary as Queen of the Angels and entrusting ourselves, our loved ones, and our prayers into her loving care.
Â
Â
Sunday 27 September
Breakfast at your leisure
10:00am
Check-out and Departure.
Â
Â
Optional Masses
Throughout our pilgrimage, an English-language Mass is celebrated daily at 8:45am within the Sanctuary. Attendance is entirely optional, and you're welcome to attend at your own leisure. Full details and locations will be provided during the pilgrimage.
On Saturday at 6:00pm, there is also a Vigil Mass in the Sanctuary. Kyle will be attending the Vigil Mass and warmly welcomes anyone who would like to join him, although attendance is completely optional.
