School Pilgrimages to Lourdes

HCPT has been offering pilgrimages for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages to its Hosanna House, just outside Lourdes, since in 1975. In recent years we have been able to share this experience with school groups wanting somewhere special to enjoy their pilgrimage or retreat.

As we emerge from the restrictions of COVID, which has been difficult for us all in so many ways, there is no better time to embark on a meaningful pilgrimage or retreat with your school group. The benefits of a school trip are not just limited to the spiritual possibilities; your children will be able to get valuable real life French speaking experiences and many other learning opportunities.

Subject to availability we are delighted to be able to offer your school community the opportunity to stay with us in Hosanna House.

• The town is one of the world's leading pilgrimage destinations welcoming millions of people every year who visit in answer to Our Lady's call to "Come in procession and pray". It began when Our Lady appeared 18 times at the grotto there in 1858.
• It offers a regular programme of events for your group to participate in: a daily Blessed Sacrament Procession, nightly Torchlight Processions, and twice weekly International Masses. Participation in any of these is an impressive and moving experience. Find out more about what your group can do at the Shrine.
• St Bernadette - to whom Our Lady appeared when she was 14 years old - is a person that children can associate with and the town has a number of locations associated with her that your group can visit.
• The region offers a host of attractions for your group to enjoy. Click here for other activities in the local area.

• Hosanna House is located near the village of Bartrès just 4km from Lourdes, and offers accommodation for up to 110 pilgrims.
• The house is short walk from Bartrès village - where St Bernadette lived as a baby, and immediately before the apparitions. You can still visit and have Mass in the Parish church where she worshipped and visit the sheepfold where she worked.
• The property is self-contained and offers you a controlled environment to stay with children in safety. You can also be assured that anyone else who might be staying at the house has an Enhanced DBS / PVG and is subject to HCPT safeguarding procedures.
• You will have shared use of the chapel, outdoor altar, and other spaces for prayer.
• It is fully accessible to guests with disabilities.
• Your package will include a daily coach return from Hosanna House to Lourdes, and use of our "self-drive" mini buses - especially good for smaller groups, or making trips to the large supermarkets nearby.
• You will be able to enjoy a varied menu created by the house's chefs - it can be fully French, or offer a mix of the familiar with a hint of the local flavour.
• It offers an attractive and tranquil home-from-home, which has some of the most spectacular views of the Pyrenees.
• Your group will have your own lounge, kitchenette and terrace so you can relax and have fun in a space that is exclusively yours.

• We have 65 years of providing pilgrimages to Lourdes.
• Our passionate and knowledgeable staff in the UK and Lourdes can provide support before and during pilgrimage.
• Your stay will help support our charitable work with disabled children and adults.

From £50 full board per person per night, excluding travel and insurance.

If you have any questions, please contact us on: 01788 564646 or education@hcpt.org.uk.