In 1975 the Archdiocese made the bold, but necessary decision to have a formal youth pilgrimage element to the pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1976.
You can see the ‘foundation document’ here.
In many ways, much of what is written in that document continues to this day. It shows the foresight of those that came before those of us that now carry the flame of the youth pilgrimage in 2026.
We wanted to try and do a few things this year to mark our special youth pilgrimage anniversary.
Please do keep an eye out over the next few months for events and news.
We wanted to get the ball rolling with an invitation.
This invitation is to any former member of the youth pilgrimage: whether youth pilgrim or staff member. And that is very simply to consider coming back to Lourdes again this summer.
You may have already seen an invitation letter on social media or passed on to you from current coach staff members?
We thought that this offered us a chance for:
· Reconnection: rebuilding relationships and our shared identity
· Gratitude: honouring service and vocational journeys
· Renewal: offering rest, prayer, and social times
· Mission: reminding everyone we are all still part of the same story
“A pilgrimage to pray, give thanks, and reconnect as a community that once served together—and still belongs together.”
This is an invitation to those who served on the youth pilgrimage in the past. We are not asking you to be members of the youth pilgrimage again this year! Don’t worry – no early morning shifts in the St Frai and you can have that pint on the balcony of the Café Royal you always wanted!
But we did want to try and offer opportunities for us all to meet during the week.
If you are interested in coming along please email s.gore@animateyouth.co.uk or call 01744 740461 and we can add you to our mailing list to inform you of any plans for the week.
What are the dates?
The dates for the pilgrimage are: 22/23 July to 30 July. But you may prefer to make a long weekend of it or just come for a day or two. There is no expectation to be in Lourdes for the full duration of the pilgrimage.
Will I be acting as a staff member or youth pilgrim again?
No! You will have no responsibilities and there will be no expectations of you.
Will I get to wear a yellow t-shirt again?
To be honest, in order to avoid confusion of who is and is not staff, maybe not. But perhaps for events such as the youth torchlight or youth Masses we could look at getting special ‘veteran’ yellows for you to wear!
How do I get there?
You would be acting as an independent traveller. So you can use the pilgrimage flights and accommodation or use a budget flight and go retro and stay in your old hotel! The choice is yours.
What will I be doing when I get there?
At the moment it is a little early to say as we do not have the pilgrimage timetable yet. But the week has not changed that much over the years. There are all the usual times we gather together as an Archdiocesan family. And then we have our own specific youth liturgies and events you are welcome to attend.
But you also have the luxury of being in Lourdes with your own time: to pray, to socialise and just be present in a place that has meant so much.
Fr Ed Cain has kindly agreed to act as a point of contact / chaplain to the ‘veterans’ group and so there may be opportunities for Masses, Reconciliation, Stations and Social time with the group. But with no expectations for anyone to be involved if they prefer their own time.
If the thought of travelling to Lourdes is too much at themoment you are very welcome to come along to our Pilgrimage Departure Mass onthe 7th July at 5:30pm at St Mary’s, Lowe House, St Helens (WA102BE).
As you will know, this is when we try and get as many of theyoung people who will be going to Lourdes to gather together to ask for God’sblessing on our pilgrimage and thank God for the time we have had as coach communities so far.
It would be great if you could come to this Mass and for usto be able to thank you for your service and, in the social time after, perhaps catch up with old friends.
