Hospitalité Volunteers
Men and women of all ages and backgrounds come to Lourdes as volunteer-helpers to answer Mary’s request for people to ‘come in procession’, but more importantly they come in response to the command of her son Jesus to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Gospel of Mark 12:29-31). These volunteer-helpers, who are pilgrims themselves, strive to encounter Jesus in each pilgrim, caring for their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Christian hospitality, particularly in places of pilgrimage such as Lourdes, plays a vital role in offering support and assistance to pilgrims.
The Hospitalité of the Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes supports the pilgrimage in a spirit of faith, service, and compassion.
Purpose of the Hospitalité:
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To serve pilgrims with kindness, dignity, and respect
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To support the smooth and prayerful running of the Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage
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To witness to the message of Lourdes through practical service and faith in action
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Hospitalité service on the Meath Pilgrimage is:
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A ministry of service, not a substitute for personal responsibility
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A commitment to faith in action, both in Lourdes and at home
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A living witness to the compassion of Christ and the care of Our Lady
Those who serve often discover that while they go to Lourdes to help others, they return home with hearts renewed and faith strengthened.
Credit: Diocese of Meath
Care & Assistance offered by Hospitalité Volunteers During the Pilgrimage:
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Assisting pilgrims who require general help with mobility, as assigned
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Escorting pilgrims to:
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Masses and liturgical celebrations
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The Grotto
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Processions and official pilgrimage events
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Supporting pilgrims in hotels.
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Offering companionship, reassurance, and practical help throughout the day
Conduct, Teamwork & Witness
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Hospitalité members are expected to:
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Work cooperatively within the Meath Hospitalité structure
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Follow guidance from pilgrimage leaders
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Act with reliability, discretion, and respect
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Serve with humility and generosity
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Important note:
All pilgrims travelling with the Meath Pilgrimage must be able to make the pilgrimage independently, or with the assistance of a companion who travels with them and takes responsibility for their care.
Hospitalité members do not provide one-to-one personal care or medical supervision beyond their assigned duties.
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Hospitalité volunteers cannot assume responsibility for individual travel, medical, or personal care matters.
Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath
Ongoing Mission at Home
Hospitalité service does not end when the pilgrimage returns home. Members are also called to:
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Promote Lourdes and devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes within their parishes and communities
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Help keep the spirit and message of Lourdes alive throughout the year
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Assist and support the sick, elderly, and vulnerable at home, where possible, in practical and pastoral ways
Encourage prayer, solidarity, and awareness of the needs of others beyond the pilgrimage itself
Young People & Hospitalité
Each year, young people from schools across the Diocese of Meath travel to Lourdes as part of the diocesan pilgrimage. These trips are organised through the schools and young people are accompanied by teaching staff, ensuring appropriate care, supervision, and safeguarding throughout the pilgrimage.
The students take an active part in the life of the pilgrimage. They support the workof Hospitalité by assisting with mobility support for pilgrims, helping with practical tasks, and willingly offering their time and energy in service of others. Through this, they learn the value of compassion, responsibility, and faith in action.
Credit: Diocese of Meath