Lourdes

A pilgrimage to Lourdes is a profound journey of faith and healing.

Nestled in the French Pyrenees, Lourdes attracts up to five million people each year, seeking solace and miracles at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Pilgrims are drawn to the grotto where St. Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the first apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1858.

The sacred spring, believed to possess miraculous properties, offers comfort and hope to many. Beyond the physical healing, the pilgrimage provides spiritual renewal, a deepened sense of community, and an opportunity for introspection. For countless individuals, Lourdes is a place where faith is revitalized and burdens are lightened.

The Dublin Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes is one of service, procession and reflection. The students have very humbling and meaningful opportunities to work with, and get to know, sick pilgrims as they carry out their duties both in the wards of the Accueil, during meal times or throughout the different ceremonies and liturgies.

Along with this ministry, the students have the chance to reflect on their own spirituality as they take part in various ceremonies, such as The Stations of the Cross, Reconciliation, Prairies each evening and of course the beautiful Torchlight Procession and Mass for the Anointing of the Sick.

We know that the spirit of this pilgrimage inspires others and gives a renewed sense of gratitude and compassion as our 'blue-shirts' return to 6th Year and we are so proud of our very high numbers of HCK past pupils who return to volunteer each year as 'white shirts'.

Application details:

Students have the opportunity to apply in February of 5th Year. If they are interested, they will receive an application form to take home and fill in which parents/guardians must also sign.

Then the applicants have the opportunity to meet and speak with an experienced Lourdes helper and pilgrim. Five students and one substitute are selected during this process.

“To do anything well we must do it with our heart, with our mind and with our strength, for the love of God, of ourselves and of our neighbour”

— Cornelia Connelly

These are some words from the ‘Blueshirt’ student volunteers which help capture the experience of Lourdes

“Being a Lourdes ‘Blueshirt’ is a challenging, enlightening, humbling and powerful experience.”

“We have a duty co-ordinator who checks in with us and supports us in Refectory Duty, Ward Duty and Stewarding Duty.”

“We love accompanying our VIP’s (Very Important Pilgrims) to all the uplifting ceremonies and rituals- the Stations of the Cross, the Torchlight Procession, the Baths and all the Masses.”

“Picnics with our Pilgrims, Pizza tea with HCK Past Pupil Whiteshirt Volunteers, Prairie Reflections with the other schools, quiet Prayer Time at the Grotto, shopping with our Pilgrims for ‘holy’ souvenirs - these are my Lourdes memories.”

“It is the combination of the people, the location and the atmosphere which makes this experience so special.”

“It is impossible to have a bad day in Lourdes, because we are in the company of these funny, courageous, warm-hearted, sometimes outrageous, pilgrims who simply love their time in this holy place.”

“The days fly by in a whirlwind of friendship, spiritually, support, humour and respect.”

“The Youth Mass was a really special experience of affirmation, friendship and healing. The music and singing was so beautiful, all done by the student Blueshirts ourselves.”

“Waiting for our return flight we decorated the Transit lounges to create a party atmosphere, and laughed, sang, told stories and danced with our VIP’s (Very Important Pilgrims).”