2026 HCPT Pilgrimage to Lourdes
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During the Easter holidays 24 Year 12 NBS students attended Lourdes for the annual pilgrimage hosted by HCPT for their 70th anniversary. Mary, Kosi and Angelina write about their trip:
We had a great week filled with many activities! A key highlight was the torch light procession, where we all participated by taking active stewarding roles, we formed the choir and readings on the altar and carried symbolic objects, which was followed by a spectacular firework display, to celebrate the anniversary.
Another activity which we all enjoyed was Hosanna House, where we were able to help family groups in face painting, holding animals and arts and crafts. We even had an exciting visit from the Easter bunny!
We attended many masses across our time at Lourdes; however, a memorable one was the trust mass. This was when all HCPT groups gathered to celebrate Easter and united as one. Seven of us had an amazing opportunity to assist the Bishops in distributing the holy water around the congregation. The mass was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced; filled with singing and dancing.
One evening we attended a reconciliation service to let go of any concerns, problems and worries we had. It was a very reflective night, and we all felt refreshed and ready for the rest of our week in Lourdes.
We then experienced a day trip to the beach in the company of Group 119, where we had a peaceful and reflective mass on the beach which included singing, readings and a drama performance of the Gospel.
A highlight of the trip was being able to spend time and connect with our family groups. Every day, we participated in different activities with them such as: attending the animal park, making do the stations of the cross, regional masses and simply playing football and games with the children on the priory. A highlight of the week was the fancy dress parties on the Thursday. We all dressed up as different characters and also participated in a treasure hunt around the key cites in Lourdes! Us and our family groups loved it! We are so grateful for our time with them and everything we learnt. We made memories with them that we will always hold close to our hearts. They truly made our experience something we will never forget.
We also attended the beautiful grotto daily where Mary first appeared to Bernadette. Many of us said prayers for our loved ones and felt spiritually closer to Mary. As we walked through the grotto as a collective, we were able to touch the smooth walls which symbolised the immense devotion, shared faith and collective prayers of people seeking healing. Some of us even went on an early morning walk, this was a really special moment as the grotto and basilica was so quiet, we were able to connect with one another and also lit candles for our loved ones in silence, watching the sun rise over Lourdes. On our final night, we spent time with one another lighting candles of intentions for our loved ones and those that we were thinking of. It was an incredible experience and was a great way to signify the end of our journey at Lourdes for the 2026 Pilgrimage.
Thank you HCPT, Fr Fidelis, Mr McFadden and Miss O’Callaghan for the amazing opportunity and a faith building week away.
“Lourdes was an experience I will cherish forever. It was an eye opening, fun filled life changing week, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it all.” – Gabriella Caruso
“Lourdes was a very meaningful experience, a good time for reflection and helping others.” – Oliver Markey
“Lourdes was such an extraordinary trip, the bonds we made with each other as well as our family groups were unforgettable. It was an amazing chance to connect to Mary and strengthen our faith. Being a part of 763 was so special.” – Evie Smith
“Lourdes has genuinely changed my perspective on life more than I could ever have imagined. I can’t recommend it enough.” – Edward Davies
