Franciscan University

Franciscan University Lourdes Mission Trip

October 8-14, 2023

$299

Serve pilgrims from the United States as a North American Lourdes Volunteer

Join us for hands-on, life-changing service providing companionship to American pilgrims needing supportive care to journey to Lourdes.

All student volunteers provide necessary support for the pilgrimage group including:

  • Transportation Services: wheelchair, voiture and luggage assistance.
  • Dining Room Service: set up, serve, clean up.
  • Housekeeping: clean rooms, make beds, clean floors, take out trash and clean bathrooms.
  • Hospitality Service: provide coffee, tea, Lourdes water and assistance to pilgrims.
  • Nursing and Pre-Med students: serve with the Medical Team providing assistance with Activities of Daily Living, attending medical meetings and gaining experience with Catholic medical professionals.

Come with a servant’s heart, a great smile and a willingness to serve others.

Application and non-refundable

$100 deposit due September 12.

Final payment due September 19.

Need financial assistance? Click here for sponsorship guide! 

Contact erika@lourdesvolunteers.org with any questions!

Why come with us?

It is our blessing to join pilgrims on their journey to Lourdes and to pray with them in the Grotto. Celebrating 20 years in service to the sick in July of 2022, we continue to accompany volunteer service pilgrimages to support Our Lady’s pilgrims when journeying to the Grotto. Our pilgrimages are accompanied by Catholic priests and leaders faithful to the Church. It is our privilege to assist volunteers in preparation, in travel and on a transformative life-changing journey to the Grotto bringing healing not only to those they serve but for themselves for many  years to come. 

Pilgrimage Highlights

  • Daily Mass, Grotto Mass and International Mass
  • Candlelight Rosary and Eucharistic Processions
  • Opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Visit to the Piscines (Baths) – the Baths are open limited hours, but immersion into the tub is not available at this time. Families can enter together, remain clothed, and experience the “Gesture of Water” in guided prayer, similar to Bernadette during the 9th apparition with Lourdes Water poured over the hands for personal use.
  • Tours of the Sanctuary and town of Lourdes
  • Form life-long friendships as you grow in faith in service to Our Lady and her pilgrims

What’s Included

  • Six nights shared accommodations
  • Three self-service meals daily
  • Pilgrimage Leader and Chaplain
  • Guided visits and tours

*Travel from Gaming to Lourdes is not included

Payments, Cancellations and Terms

September 12, 2023 – Applications and $100 non-refundable deposit due.

September 19, 2023 – Final payment due.

All payments are non-refundable after September 19, 2023.

Read full Terms and Conditions 2023.

Experience Our Lady’s Love in Lourdes

We ask our volunteers to serve when and where as needed! Assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the pilgrimage. 

Housekeeping

A clean and tidy space sets the tone for the whole pilgrimage. Housekeeping includes making beds and cleaning the bathrooms and floors.

 

Transportation Service

Hands-on support with wheelchair service and other transportation needs for all outings. This service requires bending and lifting.

 

Hospitality & Dining Room Service

Meal service including set up, serving and clean up. Welcome and assist pilgrims on arrival and departure. Provide all that is needed for a comfortable stay in Lourdes.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Plan to arrive Sunday October 8 by 4 PM.

Arrivals and check in; Mass, Grotto visit, and dinner.

Day 2

French Breakfast and Mass is followed by orientation with training for pilgrimage service. Preparations made for arrival of pilgrims.

Day 3

Welcome Pilgrims to Lourdes! Greet with wheelchair and luggage assistance and joyful song! Our Pilgrimage Family is complete!

Days 4-7

Service as per our pilgrimage schedule. Learn about The Message of Lourdes, tour the Sanctuary “In the Footsteps of Bernadette” with visits to the basilicas of the Sanctuary, Boly Mill birthplace and Cachot jail, home of Bernadette Soubirous.

Day 8

Plan to depart after 12 PM on October 14.

Early breakfast, clean out and farewell to pilgrims.