Lourdes: HCPT celebrates 70 years of everyday miracles

Source: HCPT

More than 3,000 pilgrims gathered in Lourdes this Easter as HCPT marks 70 years of its life-changing pilgrimage.

Founded in 1956 by Brother Michael Strode, HCPT began with a simple but transformative vision, which young people should be able to travel to Lourdes with dignity, joy and a true sense of belonging.

Today, that vision continues to shape the charity's work, as 3,399 pilgrims gather this Easter under the theme "Together in Love."

As part of the anniversary celebrations, pilgrims gathered on Tuesday evening for a special fireworks display following the Torchlight Procession. Set against the backdrop of Lourdes, the display marked the 70th anniversary in a moment as pilgrims from across the world gathered together in answer Our Lady's message.

HCPT marked its 70th anniversary in Lourdes with a joyful Trust Mass, bringing together almost 3,500 pilgrims from across the UK and around the world as part of this year's Easter pilgrimage.

The Mass marked the celebration ion what HCPT is, in this anniversary year, reflecting on seven decades of service, belonging and life-changing experiences rooted in the message of Lourdes.

Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh and President of HCPT, invited pilgrims to reflect on both the origins of HCPT and the deeper meaning of Lourdes itself.

"We have a lot to be grateful for," he reflected, in his homily recalling the founding vision of Brother Michael Strode, whose initiative began something that "we've kept going since."

The connection between past and present was especially poignant this year, as pilgrims celebrated not only the milestone anniversary but also the enduring spirit of those who first carried the pilgrimage forward.

In light of the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana, the homily highlighted the theme of God's generosity, a message that resonates deeply with the HCPT experience in Lourdes.

"There is a generosity of spirit… not just an abundance, but a super abundance of grace and goodness and love," pilgrims heard as a reminder of the quiet but powerful ways in which lives are touched during the pilgrimage.

Throughout the week in Lourdes, pilgrims take part in a rich programme including Mass, torchlight processions, visits to the Grotto, as well as excursions to the mountains and . Alongside these moments, it is often the simple, personal encounters that leave the deepest impression.

These are what many from HCPT would 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 link to the beginnings of HCPT, Brother Michael Strode's brother, Peter Strode, was among those who travelled with HCPT, sharing in the celebrations and witnessing the continued impact of his brother's vision.

Chief Executive of HCPT, Tricia Macfarlane, said: "I feel truly blessed to lead the incredibly special mission of HCPT, even more so as we reach this important milestone of 70 years. I am in awe of our volunteers across the UK and around the world; I see them day in, day out, being the hands and feet of Jesus in delivering HCPT's mission. Like most charities, times have been tough for us, but we know the Holy Spirit, Our Blessed Lady and St Bernadette will help each of us use our gifts and use this special year as a springboard to safeguard HCPT's mission for many years to come.

We have created a new suite of volunteering opportunities to extend and grow our mission, throwing open the doors of HCPT so that we can extend the joy and hope of our mission to new parishes and communities. We welcome anyone who'd like to become involved to get in touch."

As HCPT celebrates this milestone year, the Trust Mass stands as a moment of thanksgiving, not only for the past 70 years, but also for the countless lives impacted through pilgrimage, and for the generations still to come.

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