The Diocesan Hospitalité exists to promote service and devotion to Lourdes and to provide support and assistance to the annual Diocese of Shrewsbury Pilgrimage to the shrine, both in practical and organisational ways.
This task is made manageable by bringing together all the groups under the Hospitalité leadership, working with the Diocesan Youth Service, and allocating specific duties to teams on a rota basis.
The Hospitalité council consists of the President, vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Brancardier and representatives of the pilgrimage helpers and youth groups.
Put simply, this is working on the wards, alongside the Nursing team, giving assistance with meals, cleaning and general domestic tasks.
However, an equally important part is giving the pilgrims the opportunity to experience elements of Lourdes at their own pace, and to sample the town outside the gates and socialise.
As well as allowing pilgrims some time out, the helpers on this shift may also be asked to assist with the marshalling and co-ordination of the Torchlight procession, working in conjunction with the Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes.