Peterborough parishioner’s honour for Lourdes service

At the concluding Mass of the 2024 Catholic Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage, Gearoid McNamara, a parishioner at St Luke’s, Peterborough, was presented with a certificate in recognition of his service and contributions to the pilgrimage. The award, which acknowledges Gearoid’s ‘selfless dedication, hard work and generosity’, was presented by Bishop Peter Collins.

Gearoid, along with his late parents Virginia and Desmond, has been a longstanding pilgrim to Lourdes, particularly with the Catholic Association. For them, it has been a place of prayer, healing, and refreshment, expressing their deep faith in Christ and devotion to Our Lady.

Gearoid and his parents have also been longstanding parishioners of St Luke’s in Peterborough, faithfully supporting and attending the local ‘Mass Centre’ before the current church was built in 1989. Throughout this time, Gearoid has been a devoted altar server, his long service recognised by the Guild of St Stephen with a special silver medal. He particularly enjoys serving at Our Lady’s shrine in Lourdes, alongside the pilgrimage liturgies, prayer, and social gatherings.

Greatly loved by the community at St Luke’s, Gearoid provided great support to his devoted parents as they grew older and frailer, while also managing to become very independent and enjoying various activities, including canoeing at Ferry Meadows, with the encouragement of Virginia and Desmond. Since their deaths, and with the support of family and friends, Gearoid has continued to enjoy his favourite activities.

Fr Jeffrey Downie, parish priest at St Luke’s said: “Gearoid serves at the altar every week and was thrilled to join the Catholic Association pilgrimage this summer. Gearoid’s award is exceptionally well deserved, and he looks forward to joining the pilgrimage to Lourdes for many years to come!”

Pictured is Gearoid McNamara receiving his award in Lourdes from Bishop Peter Collins.

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