Scotland: Young people Camp out for Hope at Carfin

Young people at Carfin Lourde's Grotto © ACN

Weather didn't dampen the spirits of a group of youngsters who braved the night to pray for fellow Christians at Scotland's Marian shrine.

Ten young people took part in a 'Camp out for Hope' with staff from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) at the Carfin Lourdes Grotto on Saturday night (30th May).

A heavy downpour over night and spring showers during their stay failed to diminish the group's enthusiasm and morale as they participated in a series of talks and activities.

ACN helps persecuted and suffering Christians around the world and the all-night prayer vigil aimed to engage young adults with its mission, raise awareness of internally displaced people (IDPs), pray for them and fundraise.

Sophia Spedden, events and engagement lead at ACN, said: "The Camp Out was a great event full of prayer, building community, and standing in solidarity with our displaced Christian brothers and sisters around the world."

Discussions focussed on the millions of IDPs due to violence and conflict in countries such as Nigeria, Lebanon and Gaza.

The group focused on faith, prayed for the displaced Christians and shared ideas on how they could help them.

The Camp out For Hope has already raised more than £1,500, including £600 from a bake sale held by two of the high school girls who attended.

Bishop Frank Dougan from Galloway Diocese camped out with the group and said Mass the following morning.

He said: "It's a camp out in solidarity with so many hundreds of thousands of people across the world who have been displaced because of persecution and other reasons in Africa, the Middle East and beyond."

Carfin Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine near Motherwell in west Scotland and is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Built in 1922 by local miners, the Grotto has attracted millions of pilgrims - around 70,000 a year.

Sophia said: "We are very grateful for everyone's fundraising, which will change so many lives. The Camp Out was a witness that prayer can unite us to those ACN helps, and that telling their stories and fundraising can make a real impact."

A record 83.4 million people were internally displaced at the end of 2024, according to the 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID).

ACN has 23 offices worldwide. In 2024 benefactors allowed ACN to fund 5,335 projects in 137 countries including emergency aid, trauma support and Mass stipends.

To support Camp Out For Hope visit:
www.justgiving.com/page/camp-out-for-hope-2026?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL