Society of Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage
There is a room for everyone on our Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Whether it is your first visit to Lourdes, or if you have been coming for a lifetime, a warm welcome is guaranteed.
There are many different ways to enjoy the week and discover what it means to be a pilgrim in Lourdes.
There is a role for all!
Lourdes 2026 - 2028 - A three-year journey with Mary
Over the next three years, the Sanctuary of Lourdes is inviting us on a spiritual pilgrimage, a journey to the heart of the Virgin Mary’s story. We’ll go step by step, guided by the Gospel of Luke.
Our journey, our hope
2026 : the Annunciation
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Lk. 1:28)
This is the year of the welcome, of listening and of the ‘yes’ that changed everything.
2027 : the Visitation
“In those days Mary set out and went with haste…” (Lk. 1 :39)
This is the year of service, of joyful charity and of reaching out to others.
2028 : the Magnificat
“His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Lk. 1:50)
This is the year of praise, of gratitude and of singing in acknowledgement of God’s wonders.
In 2026, we are at the beginning of our adventure…
We’ll let ourselves be guided by the story of the
Annunciation.
Our purpose is to follow Mary on the threshold of her incredible adventure of faith, at the very beginning of her absolute trust in God’s will.
Let us join her in the house of Nazareth. Let us open our hearts to the Word.
Join the Society of Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage
Assisted Pilgrims
Lourdes is a place where the sick and frail are placed at the heart of our pilgrimage. Rooted in compassion and service, we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported during their time with us.
For those who require assistance during our pilgrimage you will stay in a hospital-like building called the Accueil Notre Dame inside the Sanctuary domaine, across the River Gave from the Blessed Grotto. There our dedicated volunteers are there to help. Whether you require mobility assistance from our young helpers or more advanced medical support from our adult helpers and medical team, Lourdes offers a place for everyone.
Speak to us and let us know how we can make you most comfortable.
Contact SOLL for more informationHelper Pilgrims
If you are over 18, you are invited to join us as a Blue Shirt Helper.
Our Assisted Pilgrims, who are in the most need of support and medical care, stay in a hospital-like building called the Accueil Notre Dame inside the Sanctuary domaine, across the River Gave from the Blessed Grotto. It is well-equipped for their care and they are looked after by a team of doctors, nurses and volunteer Helpers.
Helpers assist with daily tasks such as supporting mobility, preparing meals, attending events, and offering a listening ear. No prior experience is required—just a kind heart and a willingness to serve.
All helpers work in small teams with team leaders to look after you and help you in what you are doing. Although plenty of people come back year after year, at least half the people in your team will, like you, be working in the Accueil for the first time. Training and support are provided.
If you’re interested in being a Helper please ensure you have completed the form on the SOLL website. For further information contact brian@soll-lourdes.com and we can explain the application process in more detail.
The main body of the Pilgrimage will fly from Birmingham on Friday 22nd May and return Friday 29th May.
Travel Insurance is automatically included in the year’s travel cost but an opt-out discount is available if preferred.
An automatic contribution of £200 per person, provided by SOLL, will be applied upon booking for all registered helpers. If you would like to opt out of this subsidy, please do let us know, as it will help us to fund those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Please note that further subsidies are available upon application to:- brian@soll-lourdes.com
Book your place nowMedical Team Member
A central part of our pilgrimage is taking the Assisted Pilgrims to Lourdes in response to the shrine being a place of healing in mind and body.
In order to take Assisted Pilgrims, we rely on the goodwill of volunteer doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals to join us for the week, working as part of a team on a rota basis, allowing time in Lourdes for your own spiritual nourishment.
Only doctors and nurses who are actively working and fully registered can join us in those capacities during our week away, please the nurse application or email medical@soll-lourdes.com for more information.
Retired and other Healthcare professionals have great skills that can help us whilst in Lourdes, so if you are retired or a member of another healthcare profession, please complete the carer application or email medical@soll-lourdes.com for more information. There is a role for everyone.
The main body of the Pilgrimage will fly from Birmingham on Friday 22nd May and return Friday 29th May.
Travel Insurance is automatically included in the year’s travel cost but an opt-out discount is available if preferred.
Subsidies are available. Please contact the SOLL pilgrimage Office or email medical@soll-lourdes.com for more information.
Book your place nowClergy and Religious Pilgrims
Our pilgrimage is enriched by the presence of clergy and religious who accompany us. Whether bringing a parish or chaplaincy group or getting involved as a chaplain in the Accueil Notre Dame, clergy are always welcome to join our pilgrimage.
We recognise that not all priests, deacons, or religious wish to be chaplains in Lourdes. If this is the case for you, please email office@soll-lourdes.com and we will ensure that you are not allocated any duties.
The main body of the Pilgrimage will fly from Birmingham on Friday 22nd May and return Friday 29th May.
The train group depart London St Pancras on Thursday 21st May and return Saturday 30th May.
Travel Insurance is automatically included in the year’s travel cost but an opt-out discount is available if preferred.
Subsidies are available for all clergy/religious. Please contact the SOLL Office at office@soll-lourdes.com for more details.
Book your place nowPraying Pilgrims
Many pilgrims join us in Lourdes to get to know the shrine and to spend some time in reflection and prayer, joining in with our liturgies and celebrations.
SOLL provide a full spiritual programme including Daily Mass and events with our Assisted Pilgrims. We provide you with a detailed pilgrimage handbook and you are welcome to join in as much or as little as you prefer.
There are various hotels to choose from according to your budget. We are able to accommodate you in bringing a parish group, or similar, to join the main pilgrimage.
The main body of the Pilgrimage will fly from Birmingham on Friday 22nd May and return Friday 29th May.
Travel Insurance is automatically included in the year’s travel cost but an opt-out discount is available if preferred.
Book your place nowTrain Pilgrims
The train group departs London St Pancras on Thursday 21st May from London St Pancras to Paris. You then make your own way across Paris to catch the TGV to Lourdes.
Returning Saturday 30th May. This means to you need an extra 2 nights of accommodation in Lourdes.
Travel Insurance is automatically included in the year’s travel cost but an opt-out discount is available if preferred.
Book your place nowBooking Form
Download the booking form now!
