Pilgrimage Accommodations

We stay together in humble dormitory style housing inside the Sanctuary called the Hospitalet. The Hospitalet is adjacent to the Accueil Notre Dame where the youth will serve our supportive care pilgrimage.  Chapel and breakfast room on site. Wifi is available. Private showers and toilets are available in each room. 

Breakfast will be eaten at the Hospitalet while lunch and dinner are eaten at the volunteer cafeteria, the St. Michel.

Volunteers will receive 3 collared shirts by mail prior to departure. These can be worn with khaki, green, gray, black or navy pants or knee-length skirts. Reminder you are very active in your service. Volunteers can also wear white collared shirt, white dress shirt, or blouse. Inappropriate dress is not acceptable in Catholic sites throughout Europe and is strictly enforced.  Modesty is most important and appropriate in the holy places where we will spend most of our time.  The European standard of dress is more formal than the casual dress of the United States.

The following Dress Code will ensure a reverent and unified look at the Sanctuary and help to maintain the respect Our Lady deserves in the Grotto.  This code is intended to assure the dignity and modesty expected of Hospitalité and North American Volunteers.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the spirit of Lourdes by following this dress code to better serve each other, Our Lady and her pilgrims in Lourdes.  All volunteers are to be neat, clean and presentable at all times.

Mobility, flexibility, comfort and modesty are important in volunteer clothing choices.

MALE VOLUNTEERS:

Lourdes North American Volunteers uniform shirt, white collared shirt or white dress shirt. No t-shirts. 

Pants (no unbelted or drooping pants).  NO JEANS OR SHORTS.

FEMALE VOLUNTEERS:

Lourdes North American Volunteers uniform shirt, white collared shirt, white dress shirt or blouse. No t-shirts. 

Pants (NO JEANS OR SHORTS) or skirts (below the knee, not tight-fitting).

In addition to the above, all volunteers are required to wear the following during service:

Nametag worn easily visible at shoulder at all times (provided by North American Volunteers).

Hair tied back away from face.

Rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes or sneakers.

UNACCEPTABLE ATTIRE FOR NORTH AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS:

NO sleeveless tops, tank tops or tops with spaghetti straps.

NO tight, low-cut, unbuttoned, transparent or halter tops.

NO short-shorts or sweat pants.

NO tight pants, leggings, stretch pants or stirrup pants.

NO flip-flops or sandals.

NO jeans or jean shorts (denim skirts or jumpers acceptable).

NO drooping, hanging, saggy, baggy pants or clothing.

If you are in doubt or question the appropriateness of an article of clothing, let your well-informed conscience be your guide or ask our office before departure.