Dates: Friday 19th – Friday 26th July 2024

Our pilgrimage to Lourdes led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols is one of the most significant pastoral events in our annual Diocesan calendar. Pilgrims travel in response to the call of our Blessed Mother through St Bernadette to “Go and tell the Priests to build a chapel here and that people should come in procession”.

This year, the initial application for a place on the pilgrimage will be via this online application form whether booking for the full package with the diocese or planning to join the pilgrimage directly in Lourdes.

The closing date for all applications for our pilgrimage this year is Tuesday 30th April 2024.

Please note that completion and return of this form does not automatically mean you will be accepted on the pilgrimage. Assisted Pilgrim places will rely on the availability of enough helpers and clinicians, and this will be confirmed with you soon as possible, but will take at least 3 weeks after we receive your booking form.

If you are unable to complete the booking form online, then please contact the Pilgrimage Office on 020 7798 9173 for assistance.

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

With the carriage of the sick and involvement of youth participants, the Diocese of Westminster’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, in compliance with CSSA guidelines, have comprehensive Codes of Conduct, Policies and Procedures to which all pilgrims must adhere for their own welfare and the welfare of others.

A copy of the policy and guidelines can be viewed here: Safeguarding Policies and Procedures – Diocese of Westminster (rcdow.org.uk) or from the Pilgrimage Office upon request.

Please complete this Application Form for each individual pilgrim. The form is divided into 8 further steps:

Step 1 – Personal Details

For all bookings we require your name and contact details. We also ask for a photograph, if possible, for your pilgrimage ID badge.

✔ A passport style photograph of yourself showing your full face for your ID badge (you can smile!), that you can upload in the application process.

Step 2 – Travel Arrangements and Accommodation

Here we ask you how you are planning to travel and if you are with a particular group. We also ask you to select your choice of hotel accommodation and notify us of any dietary requirements you have.

All those making their own arrangements for travel and accommodation in Lourdes will be required to pay a levy of £50 towards the costs of the organisation and administration of the pilgrimage. You will receive an invoice for this levy which will be directly payable to the Pilgrimage Office.

Pilgrims under 16 years old at the time of travel MUST be travelling with a parent or responsible adult. If the pilgrim is under 16 at the time of travel, the responsible adult MUST have written permission to accompany the pilgrim from the parent. A copy of the form for this arrangement is available from the Pilgrimage Office.

You will need:

✔ To have decided how you wish to travel to Lourdes for the pilgrimage.

✔ To have decided which hotel you wish to stay in and what kind of room you wish to have.

✔ The full name/s of the person you wish to share a room with, if you are not selecting the single room option. If you do not know anyone to share with, you must select ‘Single Room’, and a single room supplement will be applied.Please note that those you wish to share with need to book on the pilgrimage separately.

Step 3 – Passport Information

If you are using one of our travel options, here we ask for your passport information for your booking.

You will need:

✔ A valid passport for travel which must be:

Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave France (check the ‘expiry date’)

If you are not a UK/EU citizen please check with your embassy and the French Embassy to be sure about what you need. Please note it is your responsibility to check that your passport/visa is valid for travel to the EU.

Step 4 – Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all who travel on the pilgrimage. This can be either the travel insurance offered by Tangney Tours (adult premium £47) with Global Travel Insurance (https://tangney-tours.com/travel-insurance), or via your own insurance policy. The insurance provided by Tangney Tours is only available to those booking on the full package of the pilgrimage. If using your own Travel Insurance Policy you will be required to give details in the application form.

You will also need a valid EHIC or GHIC card to travel on the pilgrimage and will be asked for the details of this in this part of the application. Please note that you must be in possession of a GHIC or EHIC card to validate your travel insurance.

You will need:

✔ Your own travel insurance details if not using the travel insurance cover offered by Tangney Tours.

✔ The name of the group leader of your parish or school if travelling with a group.

✔ A valid EHIC or GHIC card available via the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Step 5 – Emergency Contact Details

Here we will ask for your Emergency contact’s details in case we need to reach them in an emergency.

You will need:

✔ Your Emergency contact’s phone number and email address.

Step 6 – Volunteering

Here you will be asked if you are willing to take on a volunteer role on the pilgrimage. Details of the different roles can be seen at Going to Lourdes – Diocese of Westminster (rcdow.org.uk)

If you’re interested in volunteering as part of the St Frai Helpers, please contact Nick Leonard at nickleonard507@gmail.com before making your application.
If you’re interested in volunteering as part of the Medical Team, please contact Veronica Farrow at wdlpnurse2@rcdow.org.uk before making your application.

In line with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy, all volunteers and helpers including leaders, Chaplains, and some support roles are required to have a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Certificate.

For those undertaking roles that require a DBS, we will provide further information upon receiving your application. If a new or renewed DBS is required you will be contacted by the Diocesan or Safeguarding Team with the relevant forms. We are unable to accept existing DBS certificates from a 3rd party organisation.

Step 7 – Medical Information

All pilgrims are asked to provide Medical Information. This will enable the Pilgrimage Doctor and nurse to assess your medical or support needs for the pilgrimage, and consult with your GP/Consultant or clinical team if necessary.

The information disclosed by you will be available to the Pilgrimage Medical Team only and treated with the strictest confidence. In the event that you need to use French medical services during the pilgrimage, the information may be passed onto the team taking responsibility for your treatment and care.

Kindly inform the Pilgrimage Doctor in writing if any new medical condition develops, or is diagnosed or your medical treatment or prescription changes before the pilgrimage departure date. Please check with your own doctor if in doubt. Failure to inform the Pilgrimage Doctor of any changes could invalidate your travel insurance cover.

We will not be able to accept your booking application if the Medical and Consent Form has not been fully completed.

You will need the following that are applicable:

✔ Your Doctor’s details.

✔ Your Hospital Consultant Details.

✔ Your Hospital or NHS number.

✔ Contact details of those who may take you to and from the drop off point at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage.

✔ The name of any medical conditions and details of any medication you are on.

✔ Details of any wheelchair or assistance needs you may have.

✔ Details of any Support or Care Assistance you receive at home.

Step 8 – Privacy Policy, Consent and Terms & Conditions

Here you will sign that you have read and understood the Privacy Policy of the diocese (Privacy – Diocese of Westminster (rcdow.org.uk)) and give consent for your medical information to be shared with our Medical Team. You will also confirm that you have read the Terms & Conditions of our tour operator Tangney Tours Ltd (Terms & Conditions – Tangney Tours (tangney-tours.com)) (applicable only if you are booking a Pilgrimage package or accommodation through Westminster Diocese/Tangney Tours) and consent to us sharing relevant information with them for your booking.

Any amendment or cancellation of this booking must be made in writing to Tangney Tours sales@tangney-tours.com AND to the Westminster Pilgrimage Office lourdes@rcdow.org.uk or The Pilgrimage Office, Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QN. The cancellation of a booking is not effected until receipt of written notification.

If there is any other information that you think will be useful for us to know regarding your application, please email juliandavis@rcdow.org.uk.

All the information we request in this form is required so that you may travel with our pilgrimage. The following guidance notes will help you understand what you will need to provide.

We look forward to welcoming you on our pilgrimage.

The Lourdes Pilgrimage Team.

Pilgrimage Package Details 2024

Includes all travel and full board accommodation arranged by the Pilgrimage Office with Tangney Tours as our Tour Operator. If you are applying for the full pilgrimage package, once all these details are received, the relevant information will be passed onto our Tour Operator, who will send you details for payment.

Your booking will be confirmed on receipt of your non-returnable deposit of £200 to Tangney Tours. Please view your invoice for further payment requirements.

Pilgrim Package

Prices are available on request for pilgrims aged 17 years old and under at the time of the pilgrimage.

Air, from Stansted Airport

Flights and hotels Eliseo or Padoue £1075 Single Room Supplement £245

Flights and Hotel Mediterranee £1040 Single Room Supplement £245

Flights and Hotel Stella £1040 Single Room Supplement £231

Flights and hotels Beau Site or St Georges £1005 Single Room Supplement £210

Flights and St Frai £950

The Accueil Marie St Frai

Also known as the ‘St Frai’ or simply the ‘Accueil’ (meaning a place of welcome), this accommodation is for Assisted Pilgrims for their week in Lourdes. The building is shared with other pilgrimages at 3 Avenue Bernadette Soubirous on the main street leading down to the Sanctuary and the Grotto. St Frai is fully wheelchair and stretcher accessible, with bedrooms of up to six beds, and dining room and social area especially for Westminster’s Assisted Pilgrims. There is 24-hour care lead by the Chief Brancardier and Handmaids, and dedicated teams of Medical Professionals and Helpers to assist those who need support with medical conditions, personal care, or a listening ear in a place of calm. If you would like more information about staying at St Frai or joining the overland Jumbulance option, please contact the Pilgrimage Office on 020 7798 9173 or email to lourdes@rcdow.org.uk

Train – FULLY BOOKED

19 July, Eurostar departs St Pancras 07:01, arrives Paris 10:19. Coach transfer in Paris. TGV departs Paris 14:05, arrives Lourdes 18:55
25 July, TGV departs Lourdes 12:56, arrives Paris 17:49. Self-transfer by Metro train (ticket included) in Paris. Eurostar departs 21:12, arrives St Pancras 22:30

Train and hotels Eliseo or Padoue £850 Single Room Supplement £210

Train and hotels Alba or Mediterranee £815 Single Room Supplement £210

Train and Hotel Stella £815 Single Room Supplement £198

Train and hotels Beau Site or St Georges £775 Single Room Supplement £180

Coach

18 July, depart UK Thu. evening (arrive Lourdes 19 July)
25 July, depart for UK Thu. evening (arrive 26 July)

Coach and Hotel Mediterranee £815 Single Room Supplement £210

Coach and Hotel Beau Site £775 Single Room Supplement £180

Jumbulance

Jumbulance and St Frai £1089

Step 1 – Personal Details of the Traveller

Please ensure details match information on the traveller’s passport.

Name of Traveller(Required)

Title First Name(s) Surname

As on passport.

ID Name(Required)

Photo ID will be provided, please advise how you wish to be known.

Gender(Required)

M = Male / F = Female

ID Photo

Accepted file types: jpg, img, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 8 MB.

If possible, please upload a clear face-on profile photo for your ID card. Preferred dimensions: square. Feel free to smile!

Date of Birth(Required)

As on passport.

Age at time of travel(Required)

Please put your age as of 19th July 2024

Contact Number(Required)

By providing these details, you agree to being contacted by this method.

Email(Required)

By providing these details, you agree to being contacted by this method.

Address:(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City Post Code Country

Step 3 – Passport Information

As you have selected that you will not be using our travel arrangements, this section does not apply.

Step 3 – Passport Information

Please ensure this information matches your passport exactly.

Passport Number(Required)

Passport Expiry Date(Required)

Nationality(Required)

Country of Issue(Required)

Step 4 – Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance cover is essential for all who travel on the pilgrimage. Please tick the appropriate box if you require insurance provided by Tangney Tours: £47 for adults (18+) and £23.50 for those aged 2-17. The insurance they provide is only available to those booking on the full pilgrimage package. For more information visit https://tangney-tours.com/travel-insurance. If you are not taking this insurance, please provide your own insurance details.

Do you require travel insurance from Tangney Tours?(Required)

Yes

No

If you select no, you will have to provide your personal insurer’s details.

Insurers(Required)

Please provide your personal insurer’s details.

Policy Number(Required)

Insurer's Emergency Number(Required)

Health Insurance Card(Required)

GHIC

EHIC

You must have one of these when travelling on the pilgrimage.

GHIC/EHIC Long Card Number (not the Personal ID Number)(Required)

If renewing or you’ve applied for one, this can be sent to us later. For the time being enter 999999, and in the Expiry Date enter 09.09.2029.

Expiry Date(Required)

Step 5 – Emergency Contact Details

Next of Kin or Representative's Name(Required)

Relationship to You(Required)

Next of Kin or Representative's Home Phone(Required)

By providing these details, they agree to being contacted by this method.

Next of Kin or Representative's Mobile Phone(Required)

By providing these details, they agree to being contacted by this method.

Next of Kin or Representative's Email(Required)

By providing these details, they agree to being contacted by this method.

Step 6 – Volunteering

Please tick your choice/es below.

Opportunities

I do not wish to volunteer

Redcap volunteer (16+)

Clergy/Seminarian/Religious supporting the pilgrimage

Medical professional supporting the pilgrimage

St Frai helper in co-ordinated rota of daily care of Assisted Pilgrims (helper must be aged 18 or over)

St Frai helper on a co-ordinated rota for light duties for Assisted Pilgrims in the Accueil (helper must be aged 18 or over)

Support on the Jumbulance (team members assist in the St Frai during the week)

Musician

If you are volunteering it is essential that you attend the preparation day for your role and complete a DBS application well in advance of the pilgrimage. Volunteers must attend training dates, and must submit their DBS application by 30th April 2024.

Step 8 – Privacy Policy, Consent and Terms & Conditions

Date(Required)

Name of person signing the form(Required)

First Last

Signature(Required)

Parent's or Guardian's Consent

If the pilgrim is under the age of 16 years, the parent or guardian must also sign the form, and indicate their relationship to the applicant and provide their contact details. If the pilgrim is aged over 16 years and unable to give consent themselves their representative should complete the details on the form, provide their own contact details and contact the Pilgrimage Office so that the Medical Professional Volunteers’ team can consider the appropriate assessments and best interests decision (Mental Capacity Act 2005).

Parent's or Guardian's Name:(Required)

First Last

Relationship to Applicant(Required)

Parent's or Guardian's Contact Number(Required)

Parent's or Guardian's Email(Required)

Are you travelling with the under 16-year old?(Required)

Yes

No

Responsible Adult's name(Required)

First Last

Under 16s at the time of travel are required to travel with a Responsible Adult

Responsible Adult's contact number(Required)

Signature of Parent or Guardian(Required)

Date(Required)

Untitled

Email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Booking Form for the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

Step 1 – Personal Details

Step 2 – Travel Arrangements and Accommodation

Step 3 – Passport Information

Step 4 – Travel Insurance

Step 5 – Emergency Contact Details

Step 6 – Volunteering

Step 7 – Medical Information

Step 8 – Privacy Policy, Consent and Terms & Conditions

Pilgrimage Package Details 2024

Pilgrim Package

Air, from Stansted Airport

Train – FULLY BOOKED

Coach

Jumbulance

Step 1 – Personal Details of the Traveller

Step 2 – Travel Arrangements

Accommodation

Step 3 – Passport Information

Step 3 – Passport Information

Step 4 – Travel Insurance

Step 5 – Emergency Contact Details

Step 6 – Volunteering

Step 7 – Medical Information

UK Travel Arrangements

Step 8 – Privacy Policy, Consent and Terms & Conditions

Parent's or Guardian's Consent