Two letters have been received recently from the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission and are given below. The note below from the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer accompanied the letters …
“There are two letters attached for your immediate attention. The letters refer to serious incidents that have occurred in the baths during a number of Pilgrimage trips to Lourdes and as a result it is no longer recommended that children or vulnerable adults should use the baths unless under the direct supervision of parents/family members. The Diocesan Pilgrimage Director is already fully aware of this and the Diocese is in full support of this advice. At this time it is not felt that sufficient safeguards can be put in place to make this a controlled and safe environment and so the advice given by NCSC must be strictly adhered to.
We are aware that some of you may be involved in Lourdes Pilgrimage trips other than the main Diocesan Pilgrimage and it was felt necessary to bring this to your attention. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me at the Safeguarding Department.”