HCPT

HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust is a United Kingdom based charity which takes children with special needs on a Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Lourdes, France.

In recent years, groups from across the world have started to join the pilgrimage ( USA (ASCPG), West Indies, Romania, Croatia (DUH) & Slovakia). IHCPT has been travelling to Lourdes since 1971.

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History

HCPT was formed in 1956 when Dr. Michael Strode first took four children with disabilities on a Pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes and at the same time revolutionised the way children with disabilities could experience a trip to this famous international shrine in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.

From HCPT grew the Hosanna House Trust, which was the response to a request from young adults for an opportunity to experience a similar holiday to that of the children. Today, Hosanna House, the Trust's residential centre just outside Lourdes in Bartres, takes nearly 2,000 pilgrims in groups of 40 to 50 , many of whom have disabilities or special needs. These guests stay for a week between Easter and November.

In 1998 HCPT and the Hosanna House Trust were combined as "HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust".

Pilgrimages today

HCPT takes around 2000 children from the UK and Ireland for a week in Lourdes. The total size of the Easter Pilgrimage is around 5000, which includes all the helpers, nurses, doctors and chaplains. The trips usually last a week and take place during Easter. A further 2000 people stay at Hosanna House each year, in Groups 40 - 45. These Groups welcome people of all ages. HCPT also owns a Villa in Bartres, near Hosanna House. This is a self catering house for up to 18 people which is accessible and available to all throughout the year.

Activities

The holiday pilgrimage is centred around the international shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and gives people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience a thoroughly enjoyable group holiday.

Regional group websites

• Group 1's Website
• Group 40's Website
• Group 54's Website
• Group 58's Website
• Group 71's Website
• Group 85's Website
• Group 87's Website
• Group 111's Website
• Group 117's Website
• Group 134's Website
• Group 153's Website
• Group 154's Website
• Group 171's Website
• Group 194's Website
• Group 199's Website
• Group 206's Website
• Group 213's Website
• Group 702's Website
• Group 507's Website (JSHHG)
• Group 511's Website
• Group 519's Website
• Group 855's Website