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HCPT - The
Pilgrimage Trust was formed in 1956 after a young doctor, 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.
Fifty years
later, HCPT takes almost 2000 children from the UK, Ireland and
increasingly from other
countries, including Slovakia, Romania,
Croatia, the West Indies and the United States of America.
From the
Easter pilgrimages grew the Hosanna House project, 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.
More
recently a smaller property, The Villa, was purchased by the trust
for smaller groups of up to 18. It
is situated in the most beautiful
countryside only about half a mile from Hosanna House. The Villa
offers
self catering accommodation and extends the work of the trust
to a wider range of pilgrims.
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 St
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.
HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust
Oakfield Park 32 Bilton Rd Rugby Warwickshire CV22
7HQ Charity Registration No. 281074 |
