Working in Lourdes as a youth volunteer is an incredibly rewarding and, for many people, a life changing experience.  It is one which many continue to repeat year after year!

The Diocese of Salford travels to Lourdes as a group each July.  In 2010 this will the pilgrimage will take place from Friday, 30th July until Friday, 6th August (this depends on the date of your travel).  This pilgrimage comprises many groups of pilgrims from parishes, schools, colleges and deaneries from throughout the diocese along with sick pilgrims who are supported by our team of volunteers.

Being a youth volunteer in Lourdes…

A significant part of your time as a pilgrimage volunteer will be spent with the many sick and elderly pilgrims who travel as part of the Diocesan pilgrimage.  Many of these are only able to travel to Lourdes with the assistance of the volunteers. 

Some of the young people assist the sick by travelling with them on the aeroplane and all of them work alongside them in Lourdes providing help and assistance, as directed by senior helpers and our medical and nursing team.  The assistance that the Pilgrimage Volunteers give to our sick and elderly pilgrims means that they are given every opportunity to take a full and active part in everything that takes place on the pilgrimage. 

Much of the time as a Youth Volunteer will be spent helping the sick pilgrims in various ways. 

Pilgrimage Volunteers assist the pilgrims, either pilgrims who stay in the Accueil Marie St. Frai, which is a kind of ‘hostel’ for disabled pilgrims, or those who require some help in hotels in various ways.  They are led and supported by a team leader and you they are primarily involved with helping pilgrims to get around Lourdes, so that they can attend Mass or visit the shrine of Our Lady. 

Usually this is done by helping to push a sick person’s wheelchair or helping them in a special chair known as a voiture; helping to serve meals in the dining room of the Accueil; helping with general housekeeping or cleaning duties in the Accueil; making cups of tea or coffee or helping with drinks while the pilgrimage is taking part in any of its planned activities.

As a result a lot of your time during the pilgrimage will be spent in the company of sick and elderly pilgrims, and thus one of the essential roles of a Pilgrimage Volunteer will be to talk with and listen to the pilgrims as you spend time with them each day.

Applying to become a volunteer with the pilgrimage.

All volunteers on the pilgrimage are required to complete a 18 volunteer application form (available on our website www.salfordlourdes.co.uk from January 2010) and must be prepared to receive an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.  

You will need a current passport and also an EHIC card.  If your passport is not a British or European one, you may need a visa.

All volunteers for the pilgrimage will receive an induction and take part in preparatory sessions before leaving for Lourdes.

The cost of travelling to Lourdes…

Travelling to Lourdes can be very expensive and through some fundraising it may be possible to help reduce the cost of your pilgrimage.  Many local deaneries and parishes offer financial support and assistance to those who wish to volunteer as part of the medical team.  If you require any assistance though or additional support you can contact the Assistant Pilgrimage Director who will be able to discuss supporting you for your volunteer work.

Still Interested?

For more information please contact the Pilgrimage Youth Co-ordinator, Roisin Murder via the pilgrimage office who will be able to offer advice or information on travel, volunteering and to put you in touch with your local group. (lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk).