This week
See what is happening at Hosanna House this week...  
 
Background
HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust was formed in 1956 when a young doctor, Michael Strode, first took four children with disabilities to Lourdes and at the same time revolutionised the way young people with disabilities could experience a trip to the famous international shrine of Our Lady.  
 
Hosanna!
In 1975, responding to a young pilgrim who wanted to enjoy the HCPT Lourdes experience as an adult, HCPT opened Hosanna House. Located in the village of Bartregrave;s, 3km from Lourdes, Hosanna House caters for young people and adults with disabilities, giving them the opportunity to experience their own pilgrimage holiday.  
 
HCPT now takes over 2,000 pilgrims to Hosanna House each year in groups of 40-50, many of whom have disabilities or special needs.  
 
Each Group has its own Leader, Chaplain and Nurse who prepare the week's programme. Pilgrims are invited to participate in the Lourdes activities, including visits to the Grotto and the memorable Blessed Sacrament and Torchlight Processions. Often, day-excursions to the Pyrenees and other places of interest are included.  
 
Hosanna House has a purpose built coach with wheelchair lift and special minibuses, so getting around is easy.  
 
As well as planned activities there is plenty of time for rest and relaxation in a friendly atmosphere.  
 
Flights depart each week from the UK from April to October  
 
In the picturesque surroundings of the Pyrenees, the programme is designed to make the most of the spiritual opportunity of Lourdes and each Group enjoys the family atmosphere of the House.  
 
Hosanna House is well equipped for pilgrims with special needs. All meals are provided. The House has two wings called Notre Dame and Ste Bernadette. Each wing has a lounge and a dining room, a lift and easy wheelchair access throughout. Accommodation consists mainly of twin bedrooms (some with up to four beds). Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, some with special facilities such as wheel-in showers or walk-around baths with handrails.

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