Duration
4 days
From
€399/person
Category
family
Group size
Max 24 pilgrims
About This Package
Lourdes has a unique power to speak to young people. The story of Bernadette — a teenager chosen to receive Our Lady's message despite poverty and illness — resonates with young pilgrims in a way few other pilgrimage experiences can match. Our Youth & School Pilgrimage is designed for students aged 14–25 travelling as school groups, parish youth groups or young adult communities. Over four transformative days, participants engage with the full spiritual life of the Sanctuary, serve alongside the Hospitalité brancardiers, encounter the reality of suffering with compassion, and build friendships in faith that last a lifetime.
Included in this package
✓3 nights accommodation (group/twin rooms)
✓Daily breakfast
✓Airport/station transfers
✓Dedicated youth leaders throughout
✓Service afternoon with the Hospitalité
✓Group Mass at the Grotto
✓Guided Sanctuary programme
✓Youth reflection booklet
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Opening Session
Group arrival and check-in. Opening session with youth leaders: Bernadette's story told in an engaging, contemporary way with discussion. Evening Torchlight Procession — carrying candles, singing, walking in a river of light with pilgrims from across the world. Young people consistently name this first evening as the moment Lourdes captured them.
Grotto, Baths & Service with the Hospitalité
Morning Mass at the Grotto. Participants have the opportunity to enter the sacred Baths — encouraged but never obligatory. Afternoon: service session with the Lourdes Hospitalité, helping push voiturettes, assisting pilgrims with disabilities, or working alongside brancardiers in the Baths. This service afternoon is often the experience young pilgrims name as most transformative.
Bernadette's Lourdes & Way of the Cross
Morning walking tour of the old town — the Cachot, Boly Mill and baptismal church — focusing on Bernadette as a young person. Afternoon: group Way of the Cross with youth-led reflections at each station. Evening faith-sharing in small groups, facilitated by youth leaders.
Blessing of the Sick & Departure
Blessing of the Sick ceremony — for many young pilgrims the moment that crystallises why Lourdes matters. Final Grotto visit, group photo on the Esplanade. Transfer home with renewed faith, new friendships and, for many, a desire to return.
Not Included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Lunches and dinners (most)
- ✕Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is this for?
Designed for young people aged 14–25, whether as a school group, parish youth group or young adult community. For school groups, a minimum of one responsible adult per ten students is required.
Can our school chaplain lead the Masses?
Yes. If your group includes a priest, he may celebrate the group's Grotto Mass. We coordinate scheduling with the Sanctuary chaplaincy. Youth ministers and teachers are involved in all non-liturgical sessions.
How large can our group be?
Youth and school groups can range from 10 to 60 participants. For groups over 30, we provide additional youth leaders. For very large groups, contact us for a bespoke quotation.
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