HCPT does not ask that the cost of the trip is paid by parents / guardians of any of the children on the Pilgrimage, instead the Groups take on many fundraising activities throughout the year to ensure the fares for all the children are paid  
If you do want to get involved, why not come along to a local fundraising event?  
If you do wish to make a donation to the Trust, or to your local Group, you can of course do so. Please see our donations page for ways to do this.  
 
From the start of the trip (and that starts before we leave the UK) the empahsis is very much on ensuring that all the children in the Groups have a wonderful fun filled week. Each Group designs its own programme of events (see here for a sample programme) and activities but a few things are common to all Groups:

• Tuesday evening, the Torchlight procession. This is a wonderfully visual and emotional event. All the pilgrims in Lourdes are invited to come together for a torchlight procession, singing along. The procession finishes in the Rosary Square and on Tuesday night, when HCPT lead the procession, there is a great sing-along at the end. Some pictures from the Torchlight procession can be seen in our Photo Library
• Thursday morning - the Trust Mass. All 5000+ members of HCPT, IHCPT, ASCPG and many many friends, come together in the Undergrond basilica. For many this is the highlight of the week. Pictures of the Trust Mass can be seen in our Photo Library

Apart from these events, each Group will be visiting many of the locations in Lourdes which are relevant to the life of Ste Bernadette - the house where she grew up, the 'Cachot', and some of the many museums in the town.  
 
Most Groups have an excursion day out. A traditional and still popular destination is Gavarnie, high up in the Pyrenees. This is a spectacular venue where some days Groups make snowmen and other days it's shorts and t-shirts!  
 
Getting ready for a trip away can be very exciting, and if it is a child's first trip away from home, can be an anxious time for children and parents alike. Please keep in touch with your Group Leader who will be happy to answer any questions which occur to you as the trip draws near.  
Some things you will need to do:

• Ensure your child has a valid passport
• If your child does not hold a passport, ensure the Group Leader has added your child to the 'Collective Passport' list - before Christmas if possible. (A passport sized photo will be required for this).
• If your child has a non UK passport, do they need a visa to enter France? More details can be found on the website of the French Consulate in London, which also includes details of how to go about applying for a visa.
• An EHIC card. The Euopean Helath Insurace Card (EHIC) has taken over from the old E111, which is now no longer valid. EHIC can be requested on-line, or through the post office. We strongly recommend that you apply for an EHIC as soon as possible. This card ensures that in the event of any medical treatment being required in France, that the NHS will pay most of the bills.
• Pack a range of clothes - but not too many! The weather in Lourdes can vary quite quickly from being warm and sunny to heavy rain. Your Group Leader will be able to give you a sugegsted clothing list.
• Spending money. Don't send too much! Your child will not need any money through the week to join in the activities - everything will be provided by the Group. If you do want your child to bring home some souvenirs, speak with your Group Leader about what you think you might like and they will advise you how much to take.

 
. If there is an emergency, you can contact your Group Leader by phoning the Hotel. If you cannot find the number, you can call HCPT HQ at the Hotel Solitude (+335 62 42 70 70) and we wil try to pass on a message. If you are just phoning for a chat or to see how things are going, please remember that the groups are out and about most of the time and the schedules are usually quite tight.  

---

Useful links: About the Easter Pilgrimage | Easter Freelance form | Easter Factsheet |

---