Celebrating 50 Years of Liverpool Youth in Lourdes
As the Summer term came to a close in July, over 300 young people across the Archdiocese were preparing for the Archdiocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Every year, young people give the first week of their Summer break to help support sick or elderly pilgrims who travel to visit the grotto in Lourdes where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette. This year was a special year, as 2026 marked 50 years since the first group of young people from Liverpool made the 25 hour journey for an uplifting and life-changing experience.
This year, the number of students on the pilgrimage from St Julie’s (past and present) increased to 7 and in addition, our Chaplain Miss Higgins travelled as Coach staff for Coach 2 for the first time. The last time our Chaplain was in Lourdes was 35 years ago as a Youth pilgrim herself!
The St Julie’s girls travelled together on Coach 1 but there were lots of opportunities to catch up with the Chaplain throughout the week at Masses, services and singing in the bars at night! The St Julie’s group also made time to pray and light a candle together by the grotto, praying for everyone with links to our school community and remembering Miss Knisz and her family.
Lourdes is a special place where faith and new friendships are found, lives are changed and the true meaning of love for another and service are on display every day. No wonder so many young people keep going back every year!
If you are in Year 10 or above and want to know more, speak to Miss Higgins.
Applications for Lourdes 2027 open on 14th September at 9am via liverpoollourdesyouth.co.uk
21- 30 July 2027
Early bird discount until 19th October £680 (full price £730)
