Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
Without our amazing volunteers we would not have a pilgrimage. Do something amazing this Summer - volunteer with us.
Without our amazing volunteers we would not have a pilgrimage. Do something amazing this Summer - volunteer with us.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Without our amazing volunteers we would not have a pilgrimage. Do something amazing this Summer - volunteer with us.
'As a first timer to Lourdes I have been extremely impressed by the kindness, willingness, courtesy and thoughtfulness of every one of you I have had contact with. Infectious enthusiasm is your hallmark!'
- from a grateful pilgrim.
CELEBRATING OUR PAST,
PLANNING OUR FUTURE
Our pilgrimage coordination team is made up of dedicated volunteers who give their time generously to organise a safe, enjoyable and inclusive pilgrimage experience for all who travel with us to Lourdes each year. Each member of the co-ordination team is appointed by the pilgrimage director and many of the team have been looking after their areas of responsibility for a number of years. In order for us to continue to build on our past successes and to forge new ideas and improvements for the future, we invite you to consider if you may like to volunteer your time and expertise to the pilgrimage by joining the co-ordination team. If interested please speak to Fr Gerard during the pilgrimage week or contact the pilgrimage office on 0161 817 2209. Thank you.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR FOR LOGISTICS
Join the Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Team Voluntary Coordinator for Logistics
Each year, the Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage brings together a diverse community of pilgrims - young and old, sick and well, lay and ordained - for a journey of faith, friendship and service at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
We are currently seeking a Voluntary Coordinator for Logistics to join our dedicated Pilgrimage Coordination Team. This vital role is perfect for someone who is organised, calm under pressure and committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. You will work closely with the Pilgrimage Director, Administrator, and other team members to ensure that every practical aspect of the pilgrimage - from transport and accommodation to daily schedules and safeguarding - is carefully planned and effectively delivered. Support for the role will be provided with an extended period of transition from the current co-ordinator.
Whether you bring existing experience or the passion and potential to grow into this role, we welcome applications from those with a heart for service, a head for logistics, and a desire to be part of something deeply meaningful.
If you feel called to contribute your time and skills to help make this special pilgrimage possible, we’d love to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the role or further information, please contact Patrick O’Dowd patrick.odowd@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk or telephone the pilgrimage office on 0161 817 2209.
Since 1924 the people of the Diocese of Salford have answered Our Lady's call to 'come here in procession' to Lourdes. Next Summer we will make our joyful return to Lourdes for our 91st diocesan pilgrimage.
Approximately 25 of our sick or 'acceuil' pilgrims require medical assistance and many other pilgrims, whilst self caring, require help to get around the sanctuaries and town by use of a wheelchair due to mobility issues.
The lay volunteers that travel with the Salford pilgrimage work alongside the nursing and medical team to provide care and support for our assisted pilgrims, to ensure they can fully participate in the pilgrimage programme and experience the love of God through the care they receive. They embody the motto on the t-shirts that they wear - 'the helping hand'.
We invite you to do something amazing in July and join us as a volunteer. You will receive all the training you require to equip you to carry out your duties. This year especially our volunteer numbers will be down as many schools and colleges have understandably taken the decision earlier in the term to suspend all residential trips for this year. If you've wondered about volunteering with us then this is the year to go for it as we really need your support!
You'll will be placed in a team and will work alongside other like minded volunteers, under the guidance of an experienced team leader on a rota devised by the co-ordinator for volunteers.
For many the experience of volunteering is life changing. Spending time with the pilgrims and enabling them to feel a part of the Salford family is both fulfilling and rewarding and the reason why many come back year after year. We hope that you'll join us in Lourdes, we promise it will be an experience that you'll never forget.
Please note that volunteer applications for 2025 are now closed. Our volunteer application forms for 2026 will be available later this year.
Please watch the videos on this page or visit us on social media (search 'Salford Lourdes'), for a taster of what volunteering with us is all about.
