A group of four Old Georgians and nine staff accompanied six assisted adults from the Clubhouse Project to the French town at the foot of the Pyrenees to see the site, famous for the apparitions of Our Lady experienced by a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous.

The theme for this year’s HCPT Easter Pilgrimage was the Good Shepherd, and it was great to be back in Lourdes for the first time since 2019 and meet up with many old friends. The group was lucky enough to share in the West Indies group Mass at the City of the Poor, at which Father Martin presided. And happily, we were blessed with largely good weather, with the sun emerging just in time for the group's visit to the Animal Park on their final day.

Along with the Trust Mass, a particular highlight of this year was the Torchlight Procession. Between the prayers and liturgies, they enjoyed many an ice cream, much laughter, and a wonderful concluding party on the final evening!

Sue Thomas, one of the staff members who volunteers to accompany the assisted adults, said: “It was the most wonderfully spiritual and rewarding experience with some very special guests. I will always cherish memories of this visit and the people involved."

Guest Kosta said “I loved the people serving the food and coffees, I had a great time with my helper Michael who was very kind to me, and I loved singing and face painting and I liked sharing a room with John.”

His mother Donna said “ For me personally, it was fantastic to know Kosta was not only enjoying himself whilst being safe with lots of kind volunteers, he was experiencing his St George’s family at its best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Guest Sarah said “ I loved going to the café for an ice cream, the party and the Mass singing, especially ”Rise and Shine" and spending time with my friends.

Guest John said "I like singing hymns in the church and looking at the statues of the Virgin Mark were the best bits for me".

Michael "Father Martin, Jess, my friends and the singing" were the best bits for me."

It was a magical uplifting trip enjoyed by all!

*HCPT is a registered charity offering pilgrimage holidays to Lourdes in the south of France for disabled and disadvantaged people from around the UK and further afield. The letters ‘HCPT’ stand for the Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust.