Helper Information Friday 10th to Friday 17th July 2026 ALL HELPERS All helpers are required to do the following: 1. Complete a helper declaration 2. Tell us what group(s) you want to be in 3. Complete a set of Lourdes-related online 'BLMA' modules 4. Attend a Practical Preparation session NEW HELPERS In addition to the requirements detailed above for all helpers, new helpers are also required to undertake Safeguarding checks: Being a helper in Lourdes is considered to be 'regulated' work. This means that volunteer helpers are required to gain clearances from the Catholic Church. This consists of: Completion of an Archdiocesan Application Form (and provision of 2 references) Completion of a PVG Application Form and a PVG Check Undertake Safeguarding Training - this can be done online or face-to-face The Safeguarding Office from the Archdiocese will contact new helpers and arrange for these checks to be completed. New helpers should also read the Risk Assessments and Code of Conduct . EXISTING HELPERS In addition to the requirements listed above for ALL HELPERS, existing helpers may be required to update their Safeguarding checks, if any of them are due for renewal. If this is the case then the Safeguarding Office from the Archdiocese will be in touch. Existing helpers may also only have to do a shorter version of the Lourdes-related online 'BLMA' modules. We will let you know which modules you are required to do. Existing helpers should also remind themselves of the Risk Assessments and Code of Conduct . Summary of Helper Requirements Below are the requirements for helpers, however some of these may already be in place so may not be required. We will advise you further on your own individual requirements once we learn of your intention to be a helper. Church Checks: PVG Check for Vulnerable Adults (updated every 5 years) Archdiocesan Application Form & References (once only) Safeguarding Induction Training Lourdes Pilgrimage Checks: Practical Preparation attended Risk Assessments and Code of Conduct read BLMA online training completed

Annual Safeguarding Statement Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Annual Safeguarding Announcement Please find below a message from Archbishop Cushley and Canon James Tracey in relation to the Lourdes Pilgrimage: Safeguarding concerns every one of us It is the responsibility of clergy and lay people to ensure that the church is a safe and welcoming place for everyone and to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected. Pope Francis has asked that families are made aware that they have a right to expect to be safe and secure in “our Father’s house”. The Bishops of Scotland are committed to ensuring this. Safeguarding in the Catholic Church means doing everything we can to protect our children and vulnerable adults. Firstly, we have a safe system of recruitment for clergy, religious, employees and all our volunteers. This includes PVG checks, references and safeguarding training. Secondly, we have a reporting system so people can come forward with any concerns, be listened to and have those concerns acted upon. Safeguarding also includes care and support for survivors. In this Archdiocese, we have a dedicated safeguarding team. This includes Monsignor Allan Chambers, the Vicar General for Safeguarding, Scott Mackenzie, our Safeguarding Advisor, as well as a Safeguarding Officer and Administrator. The Safeguarding team is based at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh and can be contacted by e-mail or phone to advise on any safeguarding matter. You can find details on the Safeguarding page of the Archdiocesan website. Every parish and group has trained safeguarding co-ordinators. Alongside the Parish Priest/Group Director, they ensure the safe recruitment of volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults in the church. Please contact us if you have any concerns about a safeguarding matter: enquiries@edinburgh-lourdes.com . We do an annual safeguarding audit to assess the safeguarding work being done in. The Church in Scotland has a mandatory reporting policy. This means that if an allegation of abuse is received it is immediately reported to the police. It is imperative that any abuse, historic or otherwise, will be met with a listening ear, and action taken to restore people’s trust in our Church and our clergy and religious. Archbishop Leo Cushley, Canon Tracey, and the Safeguarding Team are grateful for all the hard work done by safeguarding co-ordinators and volunteers in every parish and group across the Archdiocese in keeping the Church a welcoming and safe place for all. Thank-you.

Bernadette Barry - Medal To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Announcement: "It gives me great pleasure to let you know that the Archbishop wishes to recognise the invaluable contribution that Bernadette Barry has made to our Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimages and Committees over many, many years. Bernadette has been awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal. This is given for distinguished service to the Church and is very well deserved. The medal was awarded to Bernadette during the February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes in St Cuthbert's on 2nd February. Canon James Tracey Pilgrimage Director

Changes to Helper Structures In 2025, we’re making some changes to the structure of our helper teams. These changes are based on feedback from helpers and are designed to better meet the needs of our supported pilgrims. We will be transitioning from our current arrangements to a role-based structure. There will be several new teams, and all helpers will be asked to consider which team they feel they are best suited to. Click on the buttons below to see a description of the duties for each role. Once you've reviewed the information, kindly click the button below to complete a form which lets the organising committee know your helper group preferences: If you have any questions or would like to discuss the options further, please don’t hesitate to contact David Bald at 07816 761922. Transport Team Healthcare Team Saint Frai Team Other Information Submit my Group Preferences Top Transport Team There will be two groups working within the Transport Team. The first group, which will be a larger team will concentrate on transporting supported pilgrims to and from wherever they need to go. This may be to a Mass or ceremony, to a social event, cafe, or shopping. Helpers on this team will work around the pilgrimage programme so the daily shift pattern will vary depending on the programme. The main duty is pushing wheelchairs and pulling voitures (purpose build carriages). This task requires helpers to be able to cope with the physical demands of this work. The second group will be a smaller team and will involve supporting the helpers who are transporting pilgrims by coordinating the movement in and out of the Saint Frai centre. This may involve reserving a lift, or matching up helpers with supported pilgrims in the loading bay. Back to Top Transport Team Healthcare Team The Healthcare Team is comprised of registered doctors, nurses and care assistants and provide care to our supported pilgrims. Back to Top Healthcare Team Saint Frai Team The Saint Frai team supports the work that is done in caring for our supported pilgrims in the Saint Frai Centre The work may involve assisting the medical team with personal care, cleaning of the wards and related areas, or assisting pilgrims in the refectory. Helpers on this team may choose to be involved in one or more of these duties (care, cleaning or refectory) depending on their skills and preferences. The rota structure on this team will likely be more fixed than the Transport Team, for example: Day 1 early to 1pm & 8pm to end of day Day 2 1pm until 8pm Please note that work in the Saint Frai does not restrict people on this team to the Saint Frai itself as they would also take part in the full pilgrimage experience and so may get involved in others tasks - for example assisting pilgrims at Mass, and socialising with pilgrims in cafes and at the excursion. Back to Top Saint Frai Team Other Information Helpers will be asked to stipulate their first and second preference for the team that they would like to be part of. The organising committees will do their best to accommodate all helper preferences but may also need to assign helpers to a different team in order to ensure appropriate care for supported pilgrims. It is envisaged that most young helpers will be involved in the Transport team but it may also be possible for helpers to gain experience in other teams should they wish to do so. It is also important to note that helpers who are part of one team will also be involved in the wider range of general duties - for example, socialising with supported pilgrims, helping at the airport, and giving out water at Mass. Back to Top Other Information

Veronica Laidlaw - "Ronnie" - RIP 9 August 2022 It is with deepest sadness that we advise of the death of Ronnie Laidlaw on Tuesday, 9th August. Ronnie travelled to Lourdes as a lady helper with the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage for over 55 years. Ronnie was an integral part of the Lady Helper Team and we have fond memories of the time we spent with Ronnie in Lourdes. You could always find Ronnie at her favourite place behind the counter of the tisanerie in the Saint Frai Centre, managing a smooth and continuous flow of tea, coffee and biscuits to our supported pilgrims, helpers and visitors. In addition to being a helper in Lourdes, Ronnie was also a dedicated member of our Hospitalite Committee and served as Treasurer for many years. Ronnie's devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes was an example to us all. Ronnie will be sadly missed. The funeral will take place on 30th August at 12:00 in St Mark's Church, Oxgangs, Edinburgh then 13:00 at Mortonhall Crematorium. Anyone who knew Ronnie is welcome to come along. Requiescat in pace 1/1

Acerca de Service at St Margaret's Statue Click on images to enlarge them Return to Gallery Page

Acerca de Committee Members Please find below a list of Committee Members and Office Bearers of both Committees The Hospitalité Co mmittee Chaplain: The Reverend Jeremy Milne President: D Bald Vice-President: K Thomas Secretary: L Reid Treasurer: P Barry Committee member: P Shearer Committee member: C Banks Committee member: J Williams Committee member: B Barry Committee member: M Allan Committee member: S Mackenzie Should you wish to contact a member of the Hospitalité committee, please get in touch via the " Contact Us " page. Return to About Us page The Pilgrimage Committee Pilgrimage Director: The Very Reverend Canon James G Tracey Treasurer & Chief Lady Helper: B Barry Chief Doctor: Dr M Bald Chief Nurse: C Banks Chief Brancardier: D Bald Head of Youth & Music: K Thomas Secretary, Helper Data & Safeguarding: S Mackenzie Should you wish to contact a member of the Hospitalité committee, please get in touch via the " Contact Us " page. Return to About Us page

Christine Newton RIP It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Christine Newton, whose funeral took place on Monday 6th January 2025 in Holy Cross Parish in Edinburgh. Christine travelled to Lourdes with the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage as a supported pilgrim, and her daughter Rosie is one of the nurses on the Pilgrimage medical team. Christine's funeral was attended by family, friends, parishioners, colleagues and many Lourdes pilgrims. Christine will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to all who mourn her. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her; and may she rest in peace. Amen Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her Saint Bernadette, pray for her "Lord, for your faithful people, life is changed, not ended"

Michael Johnston - RIP 7 August 2022 It is with great sadness that we let you know that Michael died this week after a short illness. He travelled to Lourdes with us for many years since 1981, he was an active Hospitalité member and our Chief Brancardier in the 1990's. Along with his sister, Patricia Edie, they passed on their love of Lourdes to his daughters, Paula & Lisa who have also travelled on Pilgrimage as part of our Youth for Lourdes group pre-pandemic. His funeral mass will take place in Our Lady of Loretto, Musselburgh on 25th August at 10:15am. All welcome. Rest in Peace, Michael 🙏🏻 Requiescat in pace

News Items Bernadette Barry - Papal Medal Click here Joe McBride RIP Click here Christine Newton RIP Click here Liverpool Archdiocese declares Lourdes miracle Click here British Lourdes Medical Association Mass & Ceilidh Click here Liam Gillon - RIP Click here Carfin Pilgrimage 2024 Click here Pilgrimage Package for 2024 now available Click here Mansfield School of Music Christmas Concert Click here Lourdes 2024 Click here Helpers 2024 Click here Quiz Night 2023 Click here In dependent Travellers Click here F r Mac - RIP & Funeral arrangements Click here Cheese & Wine - Social Evening Click her e November 2022 Newsletter Click here Youth for Lourdes Testimony Click here Lady Helper Testimony Click here St Bernadette's relics visit the UK Click here Veronica (Ronnie) Laidlaw, RIP Click here Michael Johnston, RIP Click here AGM 2022 - President's Video Report Click here Help for Ukraine Click here Easter 2022 Newsletter Click here Time for Pilgrims to express an interest in the 2022 Pilgrimage Click here Annual Safeguarding Statement Click here February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes Click here Lourdes Pilgrimage 2022 Click here Canon McAllister at 90 Click here Join our mailing list Click here

Lourdes 2026 Questions Lourdes 2026 Welcome to the 2026 Information Page This page will be your "go to" place for information on the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2026. Please check back regularly and we will add content and news when it is available. Please select an item to view Pastoral Theme 2026 Pilgrimage Programme Travel Package Helper Information Questions

Joe McBride RIP Thew funeral of Joe McBride took place on 4th January 2025 in St Mary's RC Church, Bathgate. As one of our supported pilgrims, Joe will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Joe's family, friends and parishioners. The pilgrimage will not be the same without him. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him; and may he rest in peace. Amen Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him Saint Bernadette, pray for him Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near still loved, still missed, but very dear