Applications

New or Returning pilgrim applications may be requested here  for the coming year. Each pilgrim is required to request an application each year. Applications are completed online through the pilgrim and family login portals. 
You will be asked to sign in to request a returning pilgrim application.

2025 Pilgrimage Schedule

  • Pilgrimage 1 (Stage & Alumni), July 11 - July 20, 2025
  • Pilgrimage 2 (New Pilgrims), July 20 - July 28, 2025
  • ​Pilgrimage 3 (New Pilgrims), August 8 - August 17, 2025

Important dates

  • December 15 - Pilgrimage applications open
  • March 1 - General financial aid scholarship apps close​
  •  March 23 or 24 at 7:30 pm - OLP Info Nights REGISTER
  • April 1 - 50% Deposit of $1,950 is due ($100 is non-refundable)
  • May 1 - Balance of $1,950 & Applications due with all documents (no refunds after May 1)
  • June 10 or June 11 at 7:30PM- Zoom Pilgrim & Family Orientation - REGISTER (ATTENDING AN ORIENTAITON IS REQUIRED.) ​​

application steps - deadline for completion is MAy 1, 2025

documents required for all ages

2"x2" Passport photo (with the white background)
Full image of the photo and signature page of your passport (must be valid for 6 months after your pilgrimage return date)

age & Role specific requirements

pilgrims 18 and over as of MAY 1, 2025

Certificate of completion of Diocesan program for protecting minors such as Virtus or Safer Spaces​ (within last 10 years)

pilgrims under 21​ AS OF MAY 1, 2025

A parent or legal guardian must login to the Family/EMS Contacts account created for them during your application and complete the Parent Permission and Waiver form. They can also complete the full application (other than the pilgrim pledge) and upload documents. 

Leadership Team, seminarians & pilgrims aged 25 and over

A secure background check is conducted on all members of the leadership team, seminarians, and pilgrims aged twenty-five and older. OLP contracts with Praesidium Inc. to perform the background checks with the applicant’s consent. The screening is composed of a search of the Multi-State Criminal Database, the National Sex Offender Registry, Social Security Number & Alias Trace, and County Criminal Search with address to criminal history (7-years). All personal information required will be submitted by the pilgrim through the secure Praesidium website. OLP has no access to this information. Background checks are required to be renewed every three calendar years.

pilgrimage contribution - Cost of trip
The tax deductible pilgrimage contribution for 2025 is $3,900.

​The per pilgrim (amount may vary if the pilgrim's school is sending a chaperone). This covers the round trip flight, ground transportation to and from the airport and hotel in France, hotel, meals, Hospitalité fee, and specified uniform items (see What to Pack).  
  • April 1 - 50% Deposit of $1,950 is due ($100 is non-refundable)
  • May 1 - Balance of $1,950 & Applications due with all documents (no refunds after May 1) (see Pay for Pilgrimage). 
  • No refunds after May 1, 2025​

Pilgrim Pledge
Our Lady's Pilgrimage is a dry and focused service pilgrimage. All pilgrims pledge to refrain from the use of alcohol, vaping, nicotine, tobacco, illegal or undisclosed drugs, and cellular and data technology. Putting our phones, tablets, iPods, and computers away allows us to be present to those around us and engage in the service and friendships. We ask pilgrims and parents to honor this.  Designated leaders will have phones for taking photos and if pilgrims need to call home.  Families will receive updates and photos on the trip web page posted by the state-side ground contact for that trip. Note: I understand that in the event that a breakthrough COVID-19 case occurs, any pilgrim who must quarantine or isolate is exempt from the cellular and data technology restriction.
  • We use the Buddy System - no pilgrim goes anywhere without a buddy
  • Free Time - When given free time your leaders must know who you are going with and have the meeting place and time established, during the day it is fine to go around the town of Lourdes
  • Uniforms are worn at all times in public and group spaces during the trip with the exceptions of the hike and travel to and from Lourdes.
  • Social space is in the lobby. We are expected to keep these spaces tidy.
  • Rooms are our private space. Pilgrims are not allowed in another pilgrim’s assigned room.
  • It is very rare, but it has happened that a pilgrim is sent home early because he or she could not keep the rules. We do not want this for anyone, so please see a leader if you are having any issues.
  • If a pilgrim is sent home for not keeping the rules, any associated costs with the return travel are the responsibility of the pilgrim and family.
Before Our Lady of Lourdes, I pledge to fulfill the obligations of this pilgrimage, to be of service to the sick and the poor in any way I am asked. I pledge to speak and behave in a respectful manner. I promise to refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal or undisclosed drugs, and cellular and data technology. Above all, I vow to honor Jesus Christ in everyone I encounter.

By attending the pilgrimage you are agreeing to the Pilgrim Pledge.

TRAVEL DEVIATIONS
If you would like to extend your trip to travel before or after Lourdes, a small percentage of travel deviations are available. These must be arranged 95 days before your departure. You are responsible for any additional fees and costs associated with these changes.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you would like to purchase travel insurance for your trip, we can connect you with our travel agent for options.  Travel insurance is not included in the cost of the trip.

individual pilgrims fundraising
Pilgrims will have the ability to fundraise for their trip through our My Lourdes Pilgrimage GiveButter peer-to-peer giving campaign. Pilgrims can set their own fundraising goals and personalize their individual giving page with their story and updates to inspire their supporters. Wonderful for holiday and Birthday gifts! 

​Family and friends can join your team and raise funds towards your trip.  Click Fundraise to begin.

scholarships
Limited scholarship funds are available. The Scholarship Application links are found on the pilgrim and family dashboards. Scholarship applications are due by March 1, 2025.