Lourdes is a beautiful part of France and is one of the busiest sites of pilgrimage in the world. Every May students from our Sixth Form are able to share their gift of faith with ill and disabled pilgrims by volunteering at the Accueil, the hospital in Lourdes. It is always a humbling experience made even more special by how willingly our wonderful, fully committed students give of themselves so readily throughout the week to the service of others. The care and kindness they show does not go unnoticed and pupils are always commended for their hard work and enthusiasm.

Throughout the week, working with the sick and disabled always proves to be a challenge. Shifts include tasks such as transporting pilgrims to and from Mass in wheelchairs, sitting with them, just talking to them and serving breakfast and lunch. Students, more often than not, realise how fortunate they are to be able to do the simple things in life. Quite simply, it is not a holiday. It is a pilgrimage that can change the way you see the world.