What to Expect

Much like popular adventure trips such as Outward Bound, where young people step out of their comfort zone for personal growth, the Lourdes youth pilgrimage provides young people an opportunity to immerse themselves in faith-based service, community and spirituality.  This is not a goal oriented trip rather a process oriented trip.  We are not focused on a specific outcome. This is about each individual’s journey and unique experience and what it means to them.  The OLP program consists of four pilgrimages of 20-40 people, each approximately 8 days in length.​

A day in Lourdes

  • Day one, ice breakers, get to know each other
  • Morning prayer (wake up knock on the door for wake up 30 minutes before morning prayer)
  • Kinds of work:
                 - trains
                 - baths
                 - manage the candlelight procession
                 - serve in the Grotto
                 - assist with masses
  • Meals in the hotel
  • Daily mass
  • Evening reflection​

Other Fun Activities in our week

  • Scavenger hunt
  • Climbing the mountain
  • Amazing crepes and ice cream​
  • Trip to explore the castle - if time allows
  • Loads of card playing, rosary knotting, and hang time
  • Life size stations of the cross
“Something important to understand about being healed is that there is a difference between being healed and being cured. Not everyone emerges from the waters miraculously relieved of their ailment. Some people are healed by achieving peace of mind for the physical or mental malady of their bodies. I myself bathed in the waters. Although there is nothing actually wrong with me (my parents would probably say otherwise) I believe that I was healed. When I emerged from the freezing mountain water at the grotto where Mary appeared, I believe I had a renewal of my faith. I believe that I am now a much stronger Catholic then I was prior to this pilgrimage.” - Billy Moran ‘10
Who is on the trip: all over 18 background checked through their diocesan program such as Virtus or Safer Spaces
  • Leaders: about 1 adult to 5 students
  • Priest
  • Medical: either a nurse or doctor
  • Usually a seminarian or two
  • Pilgrims: entering sophomore year through senior year
  • Night security guard - room curfew and lights out announced at dinner based on the evenings activities, leaders will knock on doors for room checks to confirm everyone is set for the night.
   Communication with home while on the trip:
  • The head leader will send updates and photos during the week and reminders of travel arrangements. The state-side ground contact will let you know if there are any travel delays.
  • If necessary to call home, the leader’s phone may be used.
Looking to learn more?  Checkout OLP's eNews: Reflections.
“Many of my friends have asked me what about Lourdes has changed my life the most. The only problem is, Lourdes isn’t a place you can explain.  What it does to you and how it changes you is beyond words. So, for those who ever get the chance to go to Lourdes, I ask one thing of you. Go without hesitation. Do not go with expectations or plans of what you will do, or how you will act, but go with an open mind and heart.”
Pilgrim's 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.