A friar of the British Province of Carmelites, Fr. Tony Lester, O.Carm., has been appointed a "Chaplain of Honour" by the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Mons. Jacques Perrier, in recognition of his promotion of the "Message of Lourdes and pilgrimage to the Grotto". The announcement was made on 12th July by the President of the Catholic Association Hospitalité.
The first Honorary Chaplains were appointed on the 50th Anniversary of the Apparitions and the use of the pectoral cross was granted by Pius X in 1909. The conferral of this honour is an expression of gratitude for the enthusiasm and generosity of the recipients in the service of the pilgrims and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Tony will receive the pectoral cross at a celebration of the Eucharist at the Grotto on 23rd August.