๐๐๐ฃ๐ง ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ ๐ณ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ โ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ๐โ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
More than 3,000 pilgrims have gathered in Lourdes this Easter as HCPT marks 70 years of its life-changing pilgrimage, with a strong presence from the Bishopsโ Conference of Scotland, including Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop Frank Dougan and Archbishop Leo Cushley.
They are joined by clergy from across Scotland, many of whom have travelled as chaplains to support HCPT groups, accompanying young people and adults throughout the pilgrimage and helping to lead them in prayer, liturgy and pastoral care during their time in Lourdes.
Founded in 1956 by Brother Michael Strode, HCPT began with a simple but powerful vision: that young people should be able to travel to Lourdes with dignity, joy and a true sense of belonging. That vision remains at the heart of the charity today, as 3,399 pilgrims gather this Easter under the theme Together in Love.
A key moment in the anniversary celebrations came on Tuesday evening, when pilgrims gathered following the Torchlight Procession for a special fireworks display. Set against the backdrop of Lourdes, it offered a moment of shared joy and celebration, marking 70 years of pilgrimage and community.
At the centre of the weekโs celebrations was the Trust Mass, bringing together almost 3,500 pilgrims from across the UK and around the world. In this anniversary year, the Mass provided an opportunity to give thanks for seven decades of service and to reflect on the enduring spirit of HCPT.
Presiding at the Mass, Archbishop Cushley, President of HCPT, invited pilgrims to reflect on both the origins of the charity and the deeper meaning of Lourdes. His homily recalled the founding vision of Brother Michael Strode, whose initiative began something that โweโve kept going since,โ and encouraged all present to recognise the many lives that have been touched through the pilgrimage.
Drawing on the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana, the homily highlighted the generosity of God, a theme that resonates deeply with the HCPT experience. Pilgrims were reminded of โa generosity of spiritโฆ not just an abundance, but a super abundance of grace and goodness and love,โ seen in both the larger moments of the week and the quieter, personal encounters.
Throughout the pilgrimage, groups have taken part in a full programme including daily Mass, torchlight processions, visits to the Grotto, and excursions into the surrounding mountains and countryside. Alongside these moments, it is often the simple experiences of friendship, care and shared joy that leave the most lasting impression.
These are what many within HCPT describe as โEveryday Miraclesโ, the small but significant moments that continue to define the pilgrimage, 70 years on.
This yearโs anniversary also carries a strong sense of legacy. In a moving connection to the beginnings of HCPT, Brother Michael Strodeโs brother, Peter Strode, was among those present in Lourdes, sharing in the celebrations and witnessing the continued impact of his brotherโs vision.
Chief Executive Tricia Macfarlane reflected on the significance of the milestone year, paying tribute to the dedication of volunteers and the enduring strength of HCPTโs mission, while also looking ahead to new opportunities to grow and extend its reach to parishes and communities.
As HCPT marks this landmark anniversary, the Trust Mass stands as a moment of thanksgiving not only for the past 70 years, but for the countless lives changed through pilgrimage, and for the generations still to come.
