Scottish Catholic Observer

Archbishop Vincent Nichols (above) will perform the blessing of the jumbulance—a specially designed coach ambulance, which provides safe and comfortable transport for travellers with disabilities and illnesses— for the charity Across at London’s Westminster Cathedral tomorrow afternoon.

The jumbulance, dedicated to St Bernadette of Lourdes, will be parked in the piazza in front of the cathedral and the blessing and dedication service will be followed by the celebration of Mass in the cathedral.

The newest jumbulance is the latest in a long line of vehicles built to take those most in need on pilgrimage to Lourdes.

The idea of specialist transport to Lourdes was first conceived by the founders of Across’ predecessor charity, The Across Trust.

When the Across Trust ceased operations in late 2001, its sister charity, Across Scotland, took up the challenge of continuing the work of the jumbulance transportation to Lourdes.

A monumental fundraising effort, aided and supported by parishioners of St Bridget’s Church, Baillieston, saw Across Scotland raise almost £200,000 in the space of one month and subsequently purchase two older vehicles, ensuring that the charity could continue taking pilgrims to Lourdes from Easter 2002.

Across Scotland became Across, bought another jumbulance in 2007, and in the past ten years has enabled groups of pilgrims to travel to Lourdes every week from Easter until October.

The new Across jumbulance is fitted with all the facilities needed to care for those most in need, including a lift, seven beds, a fully accessible toilet and a kitchen.