The relics of Saint Bernadette arrived in Fermanagh last week as part of a “once-in-a-lifetime” tour of the island of Ireland.

The relics spent were in Holy Cross Church in Lisnaskea and attracted thousands of visitors from across the Catholic Clogher and Kilmore Dioceses.

Each year, millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes in France - the village where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared 18 times to a young woman named Bernadette Soubirous.

Bernadette was proclaimed blessed in 1925, and then a saint in 1933.

The visit of the relics is an opportunity to bring Lourdes to people all across the island of Ireland, particularly those who cannot make the pilgrimage journey.

The island has had a long connection with the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, with groups and individuals travelling there in their thousands each year, seeking hope, healing and peace.

Canon Jimmy McPhillips, parish priest for the Parish of Aghalurcher, said: “Over 3,000 people from the northern part of our diocese, and the neighbouring diocese of Kilmore, made a visit to Holy Cross to pray before the relics of St. Bernadette.

“Throughout the 10 hours, all age groups came, with traffic jams throughout the area all day. 

“It was a most uplifting experience for those who came; many spoke about the spiritual lift it gave to them, and many returned home with the re-engagement with their faith life once again.”

Reflecting on a moving procession through Lisnaksea with the relic, he said: “One of the big highlights was the torchlit procession through the Main Street of the town, with many from the local businesses standing in silence as the procession made its way.

"This experience will remain in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege of attending.”