𝗛𝗖𝗣𝗧 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝟳𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 ‘𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀’ 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
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 Bishops’ 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 week’s 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 “we’ve kept going since,” 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 “a generosity of spirit… not just an abundance, but a super abundance of grace and goodness and love,” 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 “Everyday Miracles”, the small but significant moments that continue to define the pilgrimage, 70 years on.
This year’s anniversary also carries a strong sense of legacy. In a moving connection to the beginnings of HCPT, Brother Michael Strode’s brother, Peter Strode, was among those present in Lourdes, sharing in the celebrations and witnessing the continued impact of his brother’s 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 HCPT’s 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.
