In early May 2024, the MHR 9am Choir travelled to Lourdes for a six-day pilgrimage under the musical direction of Kathy Underhill and spiritual leader Fr Dan Mason.

The Choir were based at Hosanna House in Bartrès, which has a stunning view of the southern French countryside and the Pyrenees.

On Sunday 5th May, the Choir were part of the Pius X Choir for the International Mass and at the offertory sang Rutter’s “Peace of God” to the assembled congregation of over 20,000 pilgrims in the huge Lourdes Basilica. The Mass can be watched via this link, with the MHR Choir (unfortunately not on camera during the piece) singing the Rutter piece from around 56 mins 50 secs:

That afternoon, the Choir sang Gjelo’s “Ubi Caritas” at Benediction & Vespers, also in the Basilica.

On the afternoon of 6th May, the Choir travelled up into the Pyrenees to sing Mass, said by Fr Dan, in the small village of Gavarnie. This included Arthur Sparke’s "Bene Fundata" sung by the Sopranos and Altos. That evening, the Choir took part in the Lourdes Torchlight Procession with soprano Bernadette Maskell singing a superb solo in the early part of Margaret Rizza’s “Song of Mary” before the Choir joined in that piece. It was warmly received by the assembled number of a few thousand people, including a Cardinal and several Bishops!

Before departing for the UK on 8th May, the Choir sang during a moving Mass celebrated by Fr Dan in the beautiful chapel at Hosanna House with music from MHR composers, Kathy Underhill, Mark Nuttall & Arthur Sparke.