This summer, 14 students from Carmel College volunteered to take part in the annual Liverpool Archdiocese Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes, accompanied by our Chaplain, Kath, and Senior Pastoral Tutor, Mollie.

The pilgrimage was particularly special this year as 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Liverpool Archdiocese Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes, celebrating five decades of young people coming together in faith, service and community.

Throughout the week, our students embraced the true spirit of pilgrimage. They served others, stepped outside their comfort zones, grew in confidence and experienced the incredible sense of community that Lourdes brings.

For many of our students, the pilgrimage was also an opportunity to deepen their faith while forming new friendships and creating memories that will stay with them long after returning home.

Several of the young people who travelled to Lourdes have now joined us at Carmel as part of our new Year 12 cohort. It has been wonderful to welcome them to college and see the friendships and strong sense of community they experienced on pilgrimage continue into their new educational setting.

Year 13 student Dylan reflected on his first experience of Lourdes:

“Going to Lourdes was an amazing experience that has really helped me to grow in my Catholic faith. I made so many new friends and experienced such a strong sense of community through the shared journey of faith and service, whilst having loads of fun as well. Since coming home, I’ve felt a renewed sense of gratitude for all God has done as well as a continued desire to grow in His grace.”

Looking Ahead to Lourdes 2027

Applications for the 2027 Youth Pilgrimage open on Monday 14 September.

The cost of the pilgrimage is £730, with an Early Bird price of £680 for applications made before 19 October. This includes travel, accommodation and all food.

Bursaries are also available through the Catenian Bursary Fund, helping to make the pilgrimage accessible to more young people.

Through fundraising efforts, Carmel College will also make a contribution towards the cost of the pilgrimage for each student who volunteers.

We look forward to supporting more of our students as they take the opportunity to experience the faith, friendship, service and community that make the Lourdes pilgrimage such a special part of life at Carmel.