In July, 1,000 people from the Archdiocese of Liverpool will be heading to Lourdes in a historic year which marks 50 years since the first youth pilgrimage from Liverpool and 103 years since the first pilgrimage from the archdiocese.

Since 1976, hundreds of young people have travelled every year to the south of France on a twenty-four hour coach journey to assist sick pilgrims. Apart from a break during the Covid-19 pandemic, the youth pilgrimage has taken place every year for five decades.

The pilgrimage will begin on Wednesday 22 July and will be led by Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool.

Seven coaches with 350 young people will be leaving from points across the archdiocese including Knowsley, Lancashire, Isle of Man, Ormskirk, Wigan, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, Warrington and Widnes.

In addition, hundreds of pilgrims along with volunteers and medical staff will travel by air on special flights from Liverpool John Lennon airport.

Whilst in Lourdes and immediately following this arduous journey, the young pilgrims, who wear yellow polo shirts, will get up as early as 4:30am to work in the hospital, while others follow them down to assist the pilgrims to the different places of devotion and at Mass.

Father Simon Gore, director of youth services, said: “The Lourdes pilgrimage is special every year for the youth of the archdiocese, but this year it will have much more significance as we reach this historic milestone. We are very much looking forward to being in Lourdes and we have a number of special events planned to mark the 50th anniversary to make it a truly memorable year.”

Pilgrimage director, Fr Grant Maddock, added: “The pilgrimage is one of the most significant events in the life of the archdiocese. Our assisted pilgrims are at the heart of everything we do, and the week is carefully planned to ensure they can benefit fully, both spiritually and socially.

"The pilgrimage belongs to the whole archdiocese, and we encourage those who are unable to travel to join us from home through prayer and by taking part in our Novena."

To mark the start of the pilgrimage, the Annual Lourdes Mass will take place on Sunday 19th July at 3pm at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, all are welcome.