A chance of a lifetime

In this section

• A chance of a lifetime

Thirty young people from the Southampton area are going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes this year, the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady.

The pilgrimage is from 16th - 20th July, which coincides with World Youth Week, and the young people will take part in an International Youth Mass, special liturgies and Eucharistic processions.

It's being organised by SAYIT (Southampton Area Youth Involvement Trust), a charity set up by the two Catholic Pastoral Areas in Southampton.

Youth Co-ordinator Matthew McFadden, who has been leading pilgrimages to Lourdes for five years, says World Youth week together with the 150th anniversary make the pilgrimage "the dual experience of a lifetime".

"The young people I have taken before have been amazing and I have met loads of great characters along the way. They come for many different reasons but their faith journey in those short 5 days can be described as nothing short of a miracle.

"It is marvellous to see young people who struggle with their spirituality and the Church taking some time away, and understanding that they really do have a role in the Church. They realise they belong and that their faith can offer them support on their life journey ahead."

The pilgrimage is now fully booked, but stay tuned to Catholic Southampton to find out how our pilgrims get on.

For more information about SAYIT other activities, contact Matthew on 07875547970, (matthewgpmcfadden@googlemail.com).

In this section

• A chance of a lifetime