Thousands of children and adults head to Lourdes for HCPT 70th anniversary pilgrimage

Beginning on Easter Sunday this year’s pilgrimage is themed ‘Together in Love’.

HCPT marks its 70th anniversary this Easter when 3,399 children, young people and adults from across the UK and around the worldwide head to Lourdes in France.

The annual week-long Easter pilgrimage includes the welcome Mass, torchlight procession, visits to the Lourdes Grotto and time together as groups as well as time spent in the “fun zone”, café visits, day trips to the beach or mountains and singing along at a “Big Sing” event.

The pilgrimage, one of the largest Catholic pilgrimages of its kind from the UK, brings togethers volunteers and pilgrims, some of whom have high dependency needs and are supported by medical staff and others also on the pilgrimage.

HCPT, or Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, is a UK-based charity supporting children, young people and adults, particularly those with varying needs, to experience a pilgrimage-holiday.

It was founded in 1956 by the late Brother Michael Strode. His brother, Peter Strode, will be among those travelling this year for the platinum jubilee.

Chief executive of HCPT, Tricia Macfarlane, said, “I feel truly blessed to lead the incredibly special mission of HCPT, even more so as we reach this important milestone of 70 years. I am in awe of our volunteers across the UK and around the world; I see them day in, day out, being the hands and feet of Jesus in delivering HCPT’s mission. Like most charities, times have been tough for us, but we know the Holy Spirit, Our Blessed Lady and St Bernadette will help each of us use our gifts and use this special year as a springboard to safeguard HCPT’s mission for many years to come.

”We have created a new suite of volunteering opportunities to extend and grow our mission, throwing open the doors of HCPT so that we can extend the joy and hope of our mission to new parishes and communities. We welcome anyone who’d like to become involved to get in touch.”

Find out more about HCPT and becoming a volunteer.

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: